Starbucks Baristas Urge Boycott Until Union Contract Signed

Starbucks Workers United intensifies pressure campaign with new boycott targeting organizations

August 27, 2026

Starbucks baristas escalated their labor dispute with the coffee chain Thursday, urging unions and other organizations to boycott the company until it signs a contract with its 12,000 unionized workers. The call to action expands beyond individual customers to include institutional support, with organizers encouraging labor groups to cancel catering orders, sponsorships, and other business relationships with Starbucks.

The AFL-CIO has already committed to the boycott, and the 25,000-member Chicago Teachers Union voted Wednesday to suspend all Starbucks purchases. The campaign comes as unionized baristas mark nearly five years without a first contract, despite organizing wins in over 700 stores nationwide.

Starbucks Workers United has organized intermittent strikes since late 2021, including a 55-day walkout last November that involved 3,000 employees across 100 cities. The protests targeted what workers describe as systemic delays and unfair labor practices by the company, which has accumulated 550 unresolved charges—more than any employer in U.S. history.

Workers cite chronic understaffing as a primary concern. Many stores operate with fewer than three employees on the floor at peak hours, forcing staff to handle multiple roles simultaneously. Baristas report being scheduled below benefit thresholds despite availability, with some earning less than $800 monthly. The union is demanding a $17 starting wage and 4 percent annual raises, though current wages in 43 states remain below $16 hourly.

Health and safety issues have also come to the forefront. A newly introduced Blending Powder Beverage Mix, pulled from shelves this month after worker complaints, caused respiratory symptoms among employees due to inhalable ingredients like gum arabic and xanthan gum. Occupational health experts had warned of potential hazards.

Assaults by customers have become a recurring issue, with workers noting that inadequate staffing increases the risk of confrontations. A Nashville barista reported being hospitalized after being shoved by a customer but returned to work the next day to avoid losing scheduled hours.

The union is also challenging what members describe as punitive policies, including mandatory cheerful writing on cups, which they argue adds unnecessary stress during understaffed shifts. One worker was reportedly fired for failing to meet cup-marking requirements during a high-pressure shift.

Starbucks has not responded publicly to the boycott call. The company has previously stated that it remains committed to bargaining in good faith, though workers dispute this, citing stalled negotiations and alleged intimidation tactics.

The boycott website, boycottstarbucks.net, provides resources for organizations to adopt resolutions and join the campaign. Labor Notes, which published the original call to action, has supported union efforts since 1979.