By Sky Link Times News Desk | November 15 2025 |
Zohran Mamdani Calls For Starbucks Boycott:
New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has publicly joined the growing labour movement against Starbucks, urging Americans to boycott the coffee chain after more than 1,000 unionised baristas went on strike across multiple U.S. cities. The workers, represented by Starbucks Workers United, have launched what they describe as an open-ended Unfair Labor Practices (ULP) strike, demanding a fair contract from the company.
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“No Contract, No Coffee”: Mamdani Backs Workers
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mamdani declared he would not purchase Starbucks products until the ongoing strikes are resolved.
“Starbucks workers across the country are on an Unfair Labor Practices strike, fighting for a fair contract,” he wrote.
“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.”
His message was shared in response to a post from Starbucks Workers United, which confirmed the strike spans multiple states and could become the largest and longest ULP strike in Starbucks history.
Strike Disrupts Starbucks’ Red Cup Day
The timing of the walkout was strategic: workers aimed to disrupt Starbucks’ Red Cup Day, an annual promotion offering free reusable holiday cups to customers. The event is one of Starbucks’ biggest sales days of the year.
The union said the strike would impact 45 cities, including New York, Seattle, Dallas, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, and parts of Ohio. There is no end date for the strike.
Social Media Reacts With Mixed Opinions
Mamdani’s boycott call sparked a divided response online.
Supporters praised his solidarity with workers, while critics accused him of political showmanship.
Some comments included:
“Only 650 of 10,000 stores are unionized. You’re barking up the wrong tree.”
“ for politicians to boycott when they don’t rely on $15/hr jobs.”
“Who wants to pay $5–$7 for overrated coffee anyway?”
Another user wrote, “I’ll never buy a Starbucks again.”
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Why Baristas Are Protesting
The striking workers allege that Starbucks has failed to negotiate a first contract despite multiple union victories across stores since 2021.
According to Starbucks Workers United, the company has engaged in delays and anti-union tactics, prompting workers to take nationwide action.
Employees are demanding:
A fair and timely contract
Better wages
Improved scheduling
Safer working conditions
Protection from retaliation
The coffee chain has yet to announce a settlement timeline or respond to the latest boycott call.
A Growing Labor Movement
With more than 1,000 baristas joining the walkout, this ULP strike represents a significant escalation in the ongoing battle between Starbucks and its unionising workforce.
Mamdani’s involvement places additional political pressure on the multinational, as more public figures begin voicing support for the workers.
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