NYC Starbucks Workers End Nearly 3-Month Strike

Unionized workers at 10 New York City stores returned to work, though strikes continue in other cities.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Starbucks workers at 10 unionized New York City stores quietly returned to work on Thursday, ending a nearly three-month strike after failing to force management back to the bargaining table for a first contract. The 'Red Cup Rebellion' protest aimed to address the union's claim that the company was refusing to finalize a collective bargaining agreement, garnering national attention and support.

Why it matters

The strike highlighted the ongoing labor tensions between Starbucks and its workers, who have been pushing to unionize stores across the country. While the New York workers have returned, strikes continue in other cities, and the union says it is evolving its strategy to keep up the pressure on the company.

The details

The strike, which began on Nov. 13, saw workers in more than 85 cities nationwide walk off the job in what Starbucks Workers United called a 'Red Cup Rebellion.' Despite the return to work in New York, workers expressed a sense of accomplishment, stating the strike fostered unity and developed new leadership within the union. Since the strike began, 20 stores across the country have voted to unionize, including at least four in January. The union has also recently launched a campaign urging customers to delete the Starbucks app from their phones.

  • The strike began on November 13, 2025.
  • Workers returned to work on Thursday, February 6, 2026.

The players

Starbucks Workers United

The union representing Starbucks workers, which has amassed more than 11,000 members at over 600 stores across the country.

Zohran Mamdani

The then-Mayor-elect of New York City, who visited striking workers in Park Slope in December.

Bernie Sanders

The U.S. Senator from Vermont, who also visited striking workers in Park Slope in December.

Kai Fritz

A strike captain and barista at a Bensonhurst Starbucks location.

Michelle Eisen

A Starbucks Workers United spokesperson.

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What they’re saying

“We've gained so many new leaders through this strike, and we've learned a lot about our union and what we're capable of.”

— Kai Fritz, strike captain and barista (newsy-today.com)

“There's no pulling back, and we have never signaled that [the strike] is ending in any way, and workers have the ability to make that call themselves.”

— Michelle Eisen, Starbucks Workers United spokesperson (newsy-today.com)

“We welcome the New York workers' return and hope it signals a willingness to resume bargaining, expressing confidence in reaching a contract that reflects the value of working at Starbucks.”

— Jaci Anderson, Starbucks spokesperson (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The union may return to one- or two-day strikes and continue organizing efforts, as they receive 'hundreds' of organizing leads each week. Negotiations between Starbucks Workers United and Starbucks are ongoing, with the two sides remaining far apart on wages, benefits, and the resolution of hundreds of unfair labor practice charges.

The takeaway

The end of the strike in New York City does not signal a retreat for the union, as they continue to evolve their strategy and push for a first contract with Starbucks. The labor tensions between the company and its workers remain high, with the union vowing to keep up the pressure through strikes, organizing, and other actions.