Zohran Mamdani wants you to boycott Starbucks
In a bold move signaling his commitment to labor rights, New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is vocally supporting Starbucks baristas who have initiated an open-ended strike due to stalled contract negotiations. The strike, which commenced on Thursday, coincides with Starbucks’ popular Red Cup Day—a promotional event that typically boosts sales significantly as customers flock to the chain for free reusable holiday cups. Mamdani took to social media to encourage the public to refrain from patronizing Starbucks during this critical time, stating, “Starbucks workers across the country are on an Unfair Labor Practices strike, fighting for a fair contract.” He urged New Yorkers to join him in this boycott, emphasizing that solidarity with workers is vital: “Together, we can send a powerful message. No contract, no coffee.”
This strike marks the fourth organized by the union since the beginning of 2023, highlighting ongoing tensions between Starbucks management and its employees. The labor dispute follows a wave of restructuring within the company, which has seen the closure of over 600 stores across the United States. Despite the strike, Starbucks has reported that sales are expected to exceed expectations for the day, showcasing the company’s resilience even amidst labor unrest. Mamdani’s support for the striking workers is particularly noteworthy as it reflects his broader political stance as a Democratic socialist and his intention to leverage the “bully pulpit” of his mayoral office to advocate for labor rights. His actions are a clear indication of how he plans to navigate the complex landscape of labor relations in New York City, positioning himself as a staunch ally to workers in their fight for fair treatment and equitable contracts.
Mamdani’s call for a boycott not only amplifies the voices of the striking baristas but also sets a precedent for how he intends to engage with labor issues as mayor. By aligning himself with the workers, he is not only advocating for immediate change within Starbucks but also sending a broader message about the importance of labor rights in the city. As negotiations continue and the strike unfolds, Mamdani’s actions could inspire other political leaders to take a stand in support of labor movements, potentially reshaping the landscape of worker rights in New York and beyond.
Mamdani lending support to the striking baristas represents an early indication of how he may use the bully pulpit of his office as mayor of New York City.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Starbucks baristas began an open-ended strike on Thursday amid stalled contract negotiations.
NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is calling on people to avoid Starbucks during the strike.
It’s an early indication of how Mamdani could use the bully pulpit of his office.
Zohran Mamdani
doesn’t want you to shop at Starbucks right now.
The New York City mayor-elect is urging people not to patronize the iconic coffee chain while baristas
remain on strike
.
“Starbucks workers across the country are on an Unfair Labor Practices strike, fighting for a fair contract,” Mamdani wrote on X on Thursday evening. “While workers are on strike, I won’t be buying any Starbucks, and I’m asking you to join us.”
The open-ended strike coincided with
Red Cup Day
, when the chain offers free reusable holiday cups to customers. Historically, it’s driven record sales for the company.
The strike comes amid stalled contract negotiations at the coffee giant, and also follows the company’s announcement of a restructuring that led to the closure of more than 600 stores across the US.
It’s the fourth strike that the union has organized since 2023, and it’s the third that has taken place since CEO
Brian Niccol
began leading the company in October 2024.
A Starbucks spokesperson told Business Insider on Thursday that despite the strike, the company was still on track to exceed sales expectations for the day across company-operated coffeehouses in North America.
Mamdani lending support to the striking baristas represents an early indication of how he may use the bully pulpit of his office as mayor of New York City. The Democratic socialist state assemblyman has long positioned himself as an ally to labor.
“Together, we can send a powerful message,” Mamdani wrote on Thursday. “No contract, no coffee.”
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Business Insider
