Zohran Mamdani urges New Yorkers to ditch Starbucks as barista strike expands nationwide

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is taking a bold stand in support of striking Starbucks workers, urging New Yorkers and the nation to stay away from the coffee giant until baristas secure a fair contract.

His call came in a post on X on Thursday, November 14, 2025, the same day nearly a thousand Starbucks workers launched an open-ended Unfair Labor Practices strike.

The strike, which coincided with the chain’s wildly popular Red Cup Day, immediately became one of the most talked-about labor actions of the year, drawing political attention as Mamdani amplified workers’ demands in a show of early mayoral muscle.

Mamdani calls for solidarity with striking Starbucks workers

The mayor-elect did not mince words when encouraging consumers to withhold their dollars while negotiations remain stalled.

“Starbucks workers across the country are on an Unfair Labor Practices strike, fighting for a fair contract,” Mamdani wrote. “While workers are on strike, I won't be buying any Starbucks, and I'm asking you to join us.”

He ended his message with a blunt rallying cry: “Together, we can send a powerful message. No contract, no coffee.”

For many, Mamdani’s stance signals the kind of labor-centered leadership he intends to bring to City Hall. Known for his democratic socialist platform and outspoken support for unions,

Mamdani’s move underscores his willingness to intervene publicly on issues far beyond New York’s borders.

Starbucks faces growing worker unrest amid stalled negotiations

Thursday’s strike saw roughly 1,000 workers across 65 stores walk off the job, according to Workers United. The union warned the stoppage could soon grow to over 500 stores if contract discussions continue to stall.

The strike lands during a period of significant turbulence for Starbucks. The company recently announced a restructuring that led to the closure of more than 600 stores nationwide.

Meanwhile, unionized workers, roughly 9,500 baristas, or about 4% of the retail labor force say they are still fighting for basic contract protections, benefits, and wage stability.

This marks the union’s fourth strike since 2023 and the third since CEO Brian Niccol took over in September 2024.

Starbucks pushes back, says business remains strong

Despite the walkouts, Starbucks insisted that the impact has been minimal.

“Despite Workers United's efforts to cause disruption, more than 99% of our coffeehouses remain open and our partners delivered the strongest Reusable Red Cup Day in company history,” a Starbucks spokesperson told Business Insider. The company emphasized that last week’s holiday launch marked the biggest sales day in Starbucks history.

Still, the strike’s timing during one of Starbucks’ biggest annual promotions placed a spotlight on worker discontent and amplified consumer reactions online.

Mamdani signals the labor-first leadership he plans to bring to New York City

Labor organizers praised Mamdani for using his platform so early in his transition. His support, they say, adds moral pressure on a corporation that has struggled to contain criticism over its treatment of unionizing workers.

For Mamdani, the moment appears to be both political and ideological. His public endorsement of the strike indicates how he may leverage the mayor’s office to elevate labor causes and could set the tone for a new chapter of worker-focused policymaking in New York City.

As the Starbucks strike continues, all eyes are now on negotiations and on whether Mamdani’s call for a boycott will influence public sentiment during the critical holiday retail season.