Jan. 16, 2026 — Redmond, Wash. Baristas at the unionized Starbucks store at 7625 170th Ave NE #101 continue participating in Starbucks Workers United’s open-ended “Red Cup Rebellion” unfair labor practice strike, which launched on November 13, 2025—Starbucks’ “Red Cup Day”—and has become the longest in company history.
The nationwide action, involving over 120 stores across dozens of cities as of early December, protests alleged union-busting tactics, stalled contract negotiations, and the company’s failure to address worker demands for improved pay, staffing, scheduling, and resolution of hundreds of unfair labor practice charges.
“We’re turning the Red Cup Season into the Red Cup Rebellion. Starbucks’ refusal to settle a fair union contract and end union busting is forcing us to take drastic action,” said Dachi Spoltore, a Pittsburgh barista on strike, in a statement on the union’s strike page.
The Redmond location was confirmed to be shuttered due to staffing shortages as of November 21, 2025, alongside two Seattle stores. By early December, it remained listed as closed on the Starbucks app, per the Seattle Times.
Local support persists with recent and upcoming pickets. The Snohomish County DSA organized solidarity actions at nearby Redmond Town Center, noting the store’s frequent pickets amid demands for better conditions. The Seattle DSA scheduled a flying picket line there on January 17, 2026, starting at 10:30 a.m.
Workers United spokesperson Michelle Eisen stated, “It’s time for Brian Niccol and Starbucks executives to stop stalling and cut the excuses.” Starbucks reported minimal impact, with 99% of U.S. stores open, and said it is ready to resume bargaining when the union returns to the table.
Still from a YouTube short showing picketers outside the Redmond store in November 2025 (source: YouTube).
The strike follows over 18 months of national bargaining, with the union representing more than 11,000 baristas across over 550 stores.
