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Unionized Starbucks workers have voted to authorize what could become their largest strike yet, setting the stage for a major showdown just as the coffee chain enters its busiest time of year.

Starbucks Workers United, the group representing roughly 9,000 of Starbucks' more than 200,000 US baristas, announced Wednesday that workers plan to walk out on November 13, the company's popular "Red Cup Day."

The union said strikes could occur in over 25 cities if no contract agreement is reached before then — and could expand further if progress stalls.

"If Starbucks keeps stonewalling, they should expect to see their business grind to a halt," said longtime barista Michelle Eisen, who has worked for the company for 15 years. "The ball is in Starbucks' court."

According to the NY Post, the vote passed with 92% in favor, authorizing an open-ended strike that could continue indefinitely.

Workers say they want fairer pay, safer staffing levels, and stronger workplace protections, accusing Starbucks of refusing to bargain in good faith.

Starbucks, however, pushed back on those claims. In a statement, spokesperson Jaci Anderson said the company was "disappointed" by the strike authorization, emphasizing that the union represents only about 4% of Starbucks' workforce.

"We continue to believe that Starbucks offers the best job in retail," she said, citing an average pay of $19 per hour and benefits worth more than $30 an hour, including health coverage and tuition assistance.

Starbucks Vows to Keep Stores Open

The coffee chain pointed to internal data showing that its employee turnover rate is about half the industry average, and that it receives over 1 million job applications each year.

Starbucks also said it plans to keep most of its stores open throughout the holidays, regardless of union action.

The dispute marks another chapter in the growing rift between Starbucks and its organized workers.

Since 2021, when the first store voted to unionize, the company has faced more than 1,000 complaints to the National Labor Relations Board for alleged unfair labor practices, including store closures and the firing of union activists — allegations Starbucks has denied, Reuters reported.

Workers United argues that reaching a fair contract would cost Starbucks far less than the estimated $100 million the company earns globally each day.

Last year, a similar strike forced temporary closures at around 60 stores nationwide during Red Cup Day.

"This fight is about making Starbucks jobs truly the best in retail — not just for executives," said barista Jasmine Leli, referencing CEO Brian Niccol, who took over in 2024 and has faced criticism over his management approach.