Starbucks workers are preparing to strike on November 13th, coinciding with the company’s Red Cup Day, unless a contract agreement is reached. The union, Starbucks Workers United, indicated that workers in at least 25 cities plan to participate, with more locations potentially joining if progress is not made. Barista Lupe Gutierrez emphasized the importance of standing up, saying: “We’re not going to stop because we’re scared.” Currently, around 550 of Starbucks’ 10,000 U.S. stores are unionized. Starbucks has expressed disappointment over the strike plans, asserting that it already offers competitive pay and benefits. Chief partner officer Sara Kelly noted that the union’s proposals, including a 65% pay increase, are not serious. Jasmine Leli, a barista and strike captain, highlighted the disparity in pay, commenting: “Our fight is about actually making Starbucks jobs the best jobs in retail.”