Starbucks Workers Urge Customers to Delete App Amid Ongoing Strike

Starbucks baristas, represented by Starbucks Workers United, are currently engaged in an ongoing strike that began on November 13, 2025, advocating for a first union contract. The union represents approximately 11,000 baristas across 576 stores in the United States, with around 1,000 workers actively participating in the strike at nearly 50 locations. The baristas are calling on customers to delete the Starbucks mobile app as a form of solidarity until their demands for livable wages, stable hours, and an end to union busting are met.

Striking Starbucks workers urge customers to delete coffee chain’s app

Since December 2021, Starbucks Workers United has successfully organized union elections at over 600 Starbucks locations. The current strike is characterized as an unfair labor practice strike, with the union having scaled back its efforts to maintain financial viability for its members. The union aims to keep a rotational strike in place, allowing some workers to return to work while still advocating for their rights.

Striking Starbucks workers urge customers to delete coffee chain’s app

Starbucks has responded to the strike by downplaying its impact, asserting that fewer than 1% of its stores were affected and that many continued operating or reopened shortly after the strike began. Jaci Anderson, a spokesperson for Starbucks, stated, “The union has called for an unconditional return to work at nearly all of the coffeehouses on its strike list,” viewing this as a positive step toward negotiations. She emphasized that the company has over 30 tentative agreements in place and is confident in reaching a fair contract that reflects competitive pay and benefits.

Striking Starbucks workers urge customers to delete coffee chain’s app

Baristas involved in the strike have expressed frustration with Starbucks' handling of their demands. KC Ihekwaba, a barista from Lafayette, Colorado, emphasized the ongoing nature of their fight for a fair contract, stating, “Our fire for change is still burning. Our spirits still strong.” Christi Gomoljak, a barista from Anaheim, California, highlighted the significance of the “Delete the App” campaign, suggesting that customers should wait to use the app until a fair contract is secured, asserting, “Coffee with a union contract tastes so much better, and it is worth the wait.”

Striking Starbucks workers urge customers to delete coffee chain’s app

• “We baristas are still fighting for a fair contract, and this fight is active and ongoing,” — KC Ihekwaba, Barista

Striking Starbucks workers urge customers to delete coffee chain’s app

• “Supporting our baristas as they take on one of the most powerful companies in the world … is an incredible way to make an impact. This fight is about something way bigger than just coffee. It’s about whether we as working people get to live with dignity in this world that we make possible.” — Liz Shuler, President of AFL-CIO

Striking Starbucks workers urge customers to delete coffee chain’s app

• “With more than 30 tentative agreements already in place, we’re confident we can move quickly toward a fair contract – one that reflects that Starbucks offers the best job in retail, with pay and benefits averaging over $30 an hour for hourly partners.” — Jaci Anderson, Starbucks Spokesperson

Striking Starbucks workers urge customers to delete coffee chain’s app

As the strike continues, Starbucks Workers United plans to maintain pressure on the company while increasing the number of unionized stores. The outcome of this labor dispute may have broader implications for labor rights and unionization efforts within the retail sector.

Striking Starbucks workers urge customers to delete coffee chain’s app