NEW YORK CITY — As more than 1,000 Starbucks baristas across the U.S. walk out in protest, New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has taken a powerful stand — calling for a Starbucks boycott in solidarity with the striking workers.
Mamdani, a longtime labor ally, posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Starbucks workers across the country are on an Unfair Labor Practices strike, fighting for a fair contract. 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.”
What Sparked the Strike
The strike — organized by Starbucks Workers United — began on what the company calls Red Cup Day, a key promotional event when Starbucks rolls out its reusable holiday-themed red cups.
Workers are demanding a fair contract, more predictable scheduling, improved staffing, and an end to what they say are unfair labor practices. The union has called this an open-ended ULP strike, warning that the action could become historic in length and scope.
Mamdani’s Message: Political Muscle Meets Labor Power
Mamdani’s public call for a Starbucks boycott is being read by many as an early sign of how he plans to use his influence as New York City’s next mayor.
By urging his more than 1 million followers on X to stop buying from Starbucks, he’s blending his political platform with labor activism — a message that resonates loudly with the union.
In his post, Mamdani capitalized on his base’s solidarity: “Together, we can send a powerful message.”
Why the Timing Matters
Red Cup Day is typically one of Starbucks’ busiest days of the year, as customers flock in for festive drinks and reusable red cups. The strategic timing of the strike — and Mamdani’s call — is meant to amplify the financial and public relations impact on Starbucks.
Reactions: Mixed but Loud
Mamdani’s appeal has sparked a wave of responses. Some praised him for standing by workers; others accused him of grandstanding.
From critics: “Easy for politicians to boycott when they don’t rely on a $15/hr job … grandstanding calls for ‘no coffee’ always hit workers harder than corporations.”
From supporters: Reddit users have backed the movement, reaffirming calls not to cross picket lines and to commit to the “No Contract, No Coffee” pledge.
The Company’s Position
Starbucks, for its part, has downplayed the strike’s immediate business risk. According to Mamdani’s backers, the union represents roughly 9,000 baristas, which is around 4% of Starbucks’ U.S. workforce.
A company spokesperson told media that “more than 99% of our coffeehouses remain open” even during the strike, and that Red Cup Day sales could still beat expectations.
Why Mamdani’s Call Is Significant
- Political Influence: As mayor-elect, Mamdani’s endorsement brings political weight to the labor movement.
- Public Pressure: By framing the boycott as a moral issue — “No contract, no coffee” — he’s pushing consumers to think more ethically about their buying choices.
- Labor Strategy: Aligning the boycott with the union’s strike adds a grassroots, consumer-driven pressure point on Starbucks.
What’s Next
- Strike Escalation: If talks don’t resume, the union says the strike could expand to hundreds more stores.
- Boycott Campaign: Mamdani’s call may inspire more public figures and consumers to join the boycott, magnifying its reach.
- Contract Negotiations: Starbucks will likely face renewed pressure to negotiate seriously, especially if the boycott gains traction.
Consclusion
Zohran Mamdani’s push for a Starbucks boycott is more than symbolic — it’s a clear aligning of political power with labor activism. As the “No Contract, No Coffee” message spreads, all eyes will be on how Starbucks responds, and whether this could mark a turning point in its relationship with its workers.
