Iowa Starbucks Workers Joined National Strike on ‘Red Cup Day’

On Thursday, December 4th, over 1,000 unionized Starbucks workers at over 60 U.S. locations protested the company's stagnant labor negotiations. A couple of Iowa locations took part in the nationwide movement.

The day of the strike was not a coincidence. It was meant to cause disruption to Starbucks' "Red Cup Day," one of the company's busiest days in the calendar year. On "Red Cup Day," Starbucks customers can receive a free, limited-edition, reusable cup with the purchase of any holiday or fall beverage. It's a massive promotion.

READ MORE: Starbucks That Have Closed in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin (LIST)

At Least Two Iowa Starbucks Participated:

Per KCRG, workers at two Starbucks locations in Iowa took to the streets outside their respective locations in protest. The South Clinton Street Starbucks in Iowa City and the Merle Hay Road location in Des Moines both went on strike on Thursday.

Why are Starbucks Workers Striking?:

The ongoing, nationwide Starbucks strikes are due to Starbucks Workers United wanting improved staffing, wages, and labor practices. After six months of contract negotiations between the union and corporate leadership, resolve has been hard to come by, hence the reason for the strikes.

Around 550 company-owned Starbucks in the United States are currently unionized, per KCRG. Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson says 99% of its store were open to the customers on "Red Cup Day:"

Regardless of the union’s plans, we do not anticipate any meaningful disruption. When the union is ready to return to the bargaining table, we’re ready to talk - Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson, per KCRG

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Recently, a documentary on Starbucks baristas starting their own labor revolution has been making the rounds. The film is called Partners, and is currently being screened around the country, including places like Chicago.

Read more about Iowa Starbucks locations joining nationwide striking efforts on KCRG's website.