In a bold move to rally support for their ongoing struggle, striking Starbucks workers are urging customers to delete the coffee giant’s mobile app. This initiative comes as the strike, led by Starbucks Workers United, enters its third month, with baristas demanding a fair contract that includes livable wages, stable hours, and an end to union-busting practices.
Ongoing Strike and Union Demands
The unprecedented strike began on 13 November 2025, as workers sought to address urgent issues surrounding their employment conditions. KC Ihekwaba, a barista from Lafayette, Colorado, emphasised the determination of the strikers during a recent solidarity call, stating, “We baristas are still fighting for a fair contract, and this fight is active and ongoing. Our fire for change is still burning. Our spirits still strong.”
With over 600 Starbucks locations having successfully unionised since December 2021, Starbucks Workers United now represents approximately 11,000 baristas across 576 stores in the United States. Despite the challenges posed by store closures, momentum continues, with 15 additional locations filing for union elections last month.
Strategic Shift in Strike Tactics
At the end of December, the union adapted its strategy by scaling down the strike’s scope. They announced a return-to-work plan for most locations, allowing a rotation of striking workers to alleviate the financial strain on low-income employees. Currently, around 1,000 baristas at nearly 50 stores are actively participating in the strike.
Christi Gomoljak, a barista who recently organised a union at the Downtown Disney Starbucks in Anaheim, California, articulated the collective resolve of the workers. “We have definitely made it known that we deserve a fair contract, and union-busting has got to stop now,” she affirmed during the announcement of the “Delete the App” campaign.
Support from Labour Leaders
The call for solidarity has not gone unnoticed in the wider labour movement. Liz Shuler, the president of the AFL-CIO, underscored the significance of supporting Starbucks workers in their fight against one of the world’s most powerful corporations. “Supporting our baristas as they take on one of the most powerful companies in the world … is an incredible way to make an impact,” she stated. Shuler highlighted that this struggle transcends the coffee sector, touching on fundamental issues of dignity and respect for workers.
Starbucks’ Response and Ongoing Negotiations
In response to the strike and the app deletion campaign, Starbucks has minimised the perceived impact, claiming that fewer than 1% of its stores have been affected and that many have either remained operational or reopened shortly after the strike commenced. Jaci Anderson, a spokesperson for Starbucks, indicated that the union’s call for a return to work at most locations is a positive sign that could lead to renewed discussions.
Starbucks claims to be in a position of strength, asserting that it has already established over 30 tentative agreements and is ready to work towards a contract that reflects its status as a leading employer in the retail sector, with average pay and benefits exceeding £30 an hour for hourly workers.
Why it Matters
The Starbucks strike serves as a crucial flashpoint in the broader discourse on workers’ rights and corporate accountability. As baristas rally for fair treatment and sustainable working conditions, their campaign not only seeks to improve their immediate situation but also sets a precedent for labour movements across various industries. The outcome of this struggle could reshape the landscape of employee rights in America, challenging the status quo and advocating for a more equitable future for workers everywhere.
