100 Starbucks striking nationwide, 2 in SC, including one in Columbia

It’s Red Cup Day at Starbucks when the coffee giant hands out collectible plastic cups, but at more than 100 stores nationwide, including Columbia and Anderson in South Carolina, the only red cups being given out are from the union, Starbucks Workers United.

Baristas are on strike. They are calling the action the Red Cup Rebellion.

In the Millwood Avenue store in Columbia, union members will picket from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. In the Clemson Boulevard store in Anderson the picket began at 7 a.m. and will continue until 2 p.m.

Among their grievances are short staffing and what they call the company’s resistance to bargaining.

“We’re sick of backlogged mobile orders, cafes packed with disappointed customers, and cleaning up abandoned food and drinks after a morning rush. We are striking for fully staffed stores, for ourselves and our customers,” the union said in a news release.

“We are striking in protest of this refusal to bargain, an alleged unfair labor practice,” the union said.

A company official could not be reached for comment.

This story was originally published November 17, 2022 at 10:00 AM.