‘We want dignity and respect’: Richmond Starbucks baristas strike on Red Cup Day as contract tensions rise

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Unionized Starbucks baristas in Richmond are hitting the picket line Thursday, joining workers across the country who say they’ve reached a breaking point amid stalled contract negotiations and ongoing labor disputes.

The planned rally on Thursday, Nov. 13 coincides with “Red Cup Day,” one of the coffee chain’s busiest annual promotions. It’s part of a nationwide coordinated effort, with baristas from 65 stores in more than 40 U.S. cities staging demonstrations.

Workers at Starbucks said they’ve been waiting six months for the company to offer new contract proposals addressing what they describe as chronic understaffing, low pay and unfair labor practices.

According to Starbucks Workers United, 92% of union baristas recently voted to authorize an unfair labor practice strike — a move that would allow an open-ended walkout if the company doesn’t agree to a contract they deem fair.

Baristas are calling for more predictable scheduling, better staffing levels and higher take-home pay. Their push has drawn national attention, with labor leaders, investors and several members of Congress publicly urging Starbucks to return to the bargaining table.

Starbucks said it does not expect Thursday’s labor actions to cause major disruptions and that stores will remain open to serve customers.

Some workers, however, say the strain is becoming unsustainable.

“The recent closing of several stores really pushed a lot of business toward us — we were understaffed for,” said Lilith Vought, who has worked at Starbucks for three years.
“We’re humans and we want dignity and respect in our job. We want to be able to come to work and feel like we’re valued employees.”

Richmond union members plan to begin their rally at 4 p.m. outside the West Broad Street Starbucks.