Memphis Starbucks employees join nationwide “Red Cup Rebellion” demanding fair labor practices
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Members of the Starbucks Workers United (SBU) union in Memphis joined an ongoing nationwide effort on Thursday afternoon, demanding fair labor practices as part of the organization’s ongoing strike, dubbed the “Red Cup Rebellion“.
Starbucks baristas and employees in SBU from around the country kicked off the strike last week, on Nov. 13, protesting against the coffee chain’s alleged history of union busting and labor law violations. Union organizers claim the company has committed more labor law violations than any other company in modern history.
The protest was intended to coincide with the company’s “Red Cup Day” event, aiming to impact the chain as it heads into its busiest time of the year.
In his statement posted to social media, State Rep. Justin Peason expressed support for the movement, stating that he stands in “solidarity with Starbucks Workers United as they fight for better pay, better working conditions, and the end of unfair labor practices.”
Strikers participating in the ongoing SBU strike are demanding the following from the Seattle-based coffee chain:
- Better hours to improve staffing in stores.
- Higher take-home pay.
- Resolution for hundreds of outstanding unfair labor practice charges for union busting.
According to SBU’s website, Starbucks’ location on Poplar and Highland stands as the only union store in the Mid-South.
“We’re turning the Red Cup Season into the Red Cup Rebellion. Starbucks’ refusal to settle a fair union contract and end union busting is forcing us to take drastic action,” said Dachi Spoltore, a Pittsburgh, PA barista who is currently on strike. “We’re striking for a fair union contract, resolution of unfair labor practices, and a better future at Starbucks. For every one barista on strike, dozens more allies and customers have pledged to honor the picket line and not buy Starbucks while we’re on strike.”
A spokesperson with Starbucks reached out to ABC24 with the following statement:
“As we’ve said, 99% of our 17,000 U.S. locations remain open and welcoming customers —including many the union publicly stated would strike but never closed or have since reopened. Regardless of the union’s plans, we do not anticipate any meaningful disruption. When the union is ready to return to the bargaining table, we’re ready to talk. The facts are clear, Starbucks offers the best job in retail, with pay and benefits averaging $30 per hour for hourly partners. People choose to work here and stay here—our turnover is less than half the industry average, and we receive more than a million job applications every year.”
Those who wish to learn more about the ongoing strike can do so at the link here.”