Zohran Mamdani tells 1M social media followers to boycott Starbucks amid ongoing worker strike
In a bold move that has captured national attention, New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has urged his over one million followers on X (formerly Twitter) to boycott Starbucks in solidarity with striking workers. His call to action comes as Starbucks Workers United, the union representing employees at the coffee chain, embarks on an open-ended strike dubbed the “Red Cup Rebellion.” This labor action is a response to what the union describes as Unfair Labor Practices (ULP) by the company, as workers demand a fair contract. Mamdani, who was elected mayor on November 4 after a surprising victory in the Democratic primary, stated, “While workers are on strike, I won’t be buying any Starbucks, and I’m asking you to join us. Together, we can send a powerful message: No contract, no coffee.”
The timing of the strike is particularly significant, coinciding with Starbucks’ annual Red Cup Day, a promotional event where customers receive a free reusable festive cup, traditionally marking the start of the holiday season for the brand. This day is typically one of the busiest for Starbucks, making the strike even more impactful as it aims to disrupt normal operations and draw attention to the workers’ grievances. The union has emphasized its commitment to making this strike the largest and longest in Starbucks history, rallying supporters to the hashtag #NoContractNoCoffee as they demand better working conditions and respect from management.
Mamdani’s support of the strike reflects his broader platform as a democratic socialist, advocating for workers’ rights and social justice in New York City. His election marks a significant shift in local politics, as he defeated prominent figures, including former Governor Andrew Cuomo, illustrating a growing trend toward progressive leadership. As the labor movement gains momentum across the country, Mamdani’s endorsement of the boycott not only highlights the plight of Starbucks workers but also aligns with a larger narrative of labor activism that has seen increased visibility in recent years. With both Mamdani and the union calling for solidarity, the outcome of this strike could have lasting implications for labor relations within the retail and service sectors.
New York Mayor-elect
Zohran Mamdani
encouraged his more than 1 million X followers this week to boycott Starbucks.
“Starbucks workers across the country are on an
Unfair Labor Practices strike
, fighting for a fair contract,” the 34-year-old wrote on Thursday. “While workers are on strike, I won’t be buying any Starbucks, and I’m asking you to join us. Together, we can send a powerful message: No contract, no coffee.”
On the same day, Starbucks Workers United, a union representing workers at the coffee giant, announced it was going on an open-ended strike in what is being dubbed the “Red Cup Rebellion.”
1K UNIONIZED STARBUCKS BARISTAS LAUNCH LABOR STRIKE AT 65 STORES
“As of today, Starbucks workers across the country are officially ON STRIKE,” the union wrote on social media. “And we’re prepared for this to become the biggest and longest ULP strike in Starbucks history. Say #NoContractNoCoffee with us: DON’T BUY STARBUCKS for the duration of our open-ended ULP strike! $SBUX.”
Thursday was also
Starbucks’ Red Cup Day
, during which customers can pick up a free reusable festive red cup for the holidays.
CHICAGO BARISTA SAYS STARBUCKS WORKERS ARE BEING ‘ABUSED VERBALLY’ UNDER NEW CEO POLICIES
Red Cup Day is typically one of the company’s busiest days.
Mamdani was elected mayor Nov. 4 after a
shocking win in the Democratic primary
in June as a democratic socialist. Both times he handily beat former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an Independent in the general election.
Mamdani’s office and Starbucks didn’t immediately return requests for comment.
