Starbucks is facing another strike by unionized baristas in the US on Thursday, threatening to impede the company's recovery efforts. The walkout, expected in at least 25 cities, marks the third major strike since Starbucks Workers United launched four years ago.

• Sales at Starbucks showed 1% growth in global stores last month, but US sales were flat.
• Starbucks Workers United, representing workers in over 600 stores, is calling for better pay and increased staffing.
• The strike is strategically timed to coincide with Starbucks' Red Cup day, a major holiday sales event, raising reputational risks.
• Union leaders claim Starbucks offered no pay raises in the first year of a contract, followed by 2% in subsequent years, which was overwhelmingly rejected.
• Brand Finance reports Starbucks' brand strength fell to 45th place in 2025, its lowest since 2016.