Story perspectives

Mayor-Elect Joins Starbucks Boycott Amid Worker Strike

11/16/2025

Summary

Story summary

Zohran Mamdani, New York City mayor-elect, joined a Starbucks boycott supporting Starbucks Workers United (SWU) strike.
The strike began on Starbucks’ busiest sales day and involved over 1,000 workers in 40 cities.
Starbucks says it has offered competitive wages.
The Starbucks Workers United says negotiations have stalled for months and Rep. Rashida Tlaib and Sen. Ed Markey have expressed solidarity.
SWU warns of escalation if negotiations do not resume.

History

Historical Context

The Starbucks Workers United (SWU) strike in 2021, involving over 1,000 workers across 40 cities, marked a significant moment in labor activism, echoing the 1935 Wagner Act that bolstered union rights. This strike followed a history of anti-union practices by Starbucks, which faced over 200 unfair labor practice charges, highlighting ongoing tensions in labor relations within the coffee industry.

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Story summary

Zohran Mamdani, New York City mayor-elect, joined a Starbucks boycott supporting Starbucks Workers United (SWU) strike.
The strike began on Starbucks’ busiest sales day and involved over 1,000 workers in 40 cities.
Starbucks says it has offered competitive wages.
The Starbucks Workers United says negotiations have stalled for months and Rep. Rashida Tlaib and Sen. Ed Markey have expressed solidarity.
SWU warns of escalation if negotiations do not resume.

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