The union representing thousands of Starbucks workers in the US is staging a walkout on one of the coffee chain’s busiest days of the year.

The action comes amid a bitter fight between Starbucks and Starbucks Workers United, which started organising workers at the company in 2021.

The two sides are fighting over pay, scheduling and other issues. Roughly 200 stores are expected to be affected by the 16 November work stoppage.

Negotiate contracts

Barista Michelle Eisen, one of the union’s leaders, said the company could afford to “do better by its workers”. The protest is the second to coincide with Starbucks’ ‘Red Cup’ Day, when the company distributes reusable, holiday-themed cups.

In some locations, the walkout is set to last just a few hours, while in others it is expected to close the branch for most of the day.

The union said the action was aimed at calling attention to Starbucks’ refusal to negotiate contracts with the unionised stores.

Members are also protesting work conditions, including inadequate staffing on promotional days.

Ms Eisen said she expected more customers and community activists to join the action this year as a warning sign for the coffee brand.