NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani requires Starbucks boycott as union strikes

Coffee drinkers of the world, unite?

New York City’s socialist Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is urging his followers to boycott Starbucks as union employees go on strike across the nation.

The call might show how Mamdani – a pro-union voice who has promised New Yorkers free buses, a rent freeze and free youngster care – plans to make use of his newfound political affect, Business Insider noted.

New York City’s socialist Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is urging his followers to boycott Starbucks. Getty Images

“Starbucks workers across the country are on an Unfair Labor Practices strike, fighting for a fair contract,” Mamdani wrote in a Thursday night time publish on X to his 1.1 million followers. “While employees are on strike, I received’t be shopping for any Starbucks, and I’m asking you to hitch us.

“Together, we can send a powerful message: No contract, no coffee.”

“New Yorkers can absolutely expect the Mayor-elect to stand unequivocally with labor,” said transition spokesperson Dora Pekec. 

Starbucks didn’t instantly reply to The Post’s requests for remark.

Starbucks employees in more than 25 US cities went on strike Thursday during “Red Cup Day,” when workers hand out free holiday-themed cups to customers. It’s sometimes a major sales day for the java big every yr.

Starbucks said about 99.9% of its shops remained open.

Starbucks employees across the nation are on an Unfair Labor Practices strike, combating for a truthful contract.

While employees are on strike, I received’t be shopping for any Starbucks, and I’m asking you to hitch us.

Together, we are able to ship a highly effective message: No contract, no espresso. https://t.co/Cw0WMf2hVW

— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranOkayMamdani) November 14, 2025

Starbucks Workers United, which represents about 9,000 of the chain’s 200,000-plus baristas, has accused Starbucks of being unwilling to negotiate. The union warned the strikes might develop if there’s no progress in reaching a truthful contract.

The company has accused the union of placing forth unreasonable contract proposals, arguing it already gives “the best job in retail” with an average pay of $19 an hour – a wage value more than $30 an hour when advantages are included, Starbucks claims.

The current strike is the fourth such action the union has organized against Starbucks since 2023, and the third since Brian Niccol took over the chain in 2024.

Starbucks employees in more than 25 US cities went on strike Thursday during “Red Cup Day.” Michael Nigro

Talks appeared promising last February, however they rapidly broke down amid mutual recriminations just a few months later.

Workers United said it has filed more than 1,000 fees against Starbucks for alleged unfair labor practices to the National Labor Relations Board.

The labor board itself has accused Starbucks of anti-union ways, like closing shops and firing employees who be a part of strikes. The company has denied those claims.

Thursday was not the first time union employees have focused “Red Cup Day” during contract negotiations. 

Starbucks Workers United has accused Starbucks of being unwilling to barter. Michael Nigro

Last yr, employees went on strike during the holiday-themed event and brought about about 60 shops to quickly close, the company said.

Tensions have bubbled up as employees have pushed back on some of Niccol’s turnaround efforts.

Soon after he took the helm, he announced plans to purchase 200,000 Sharpies and have employees doodle pleasant messages on espresso cups. 

But employees lambasted the doodle coverage, claiming it takes up an excessive amount of time and might be misinterpreted by prospects as flirting.

Starbucks fingers out free holiday-themed cups on Red Cup Day. Starbucks

Starbucks has also confronted backlash after it not too long ago closed lots of of shops round the nation, including 59 unionized places, on a few days’ discover.

The closures focused dozens of New York City Starbucks, sparking chaos for employees, city officials and landlords.

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