Starbucks Faces Fresh Strike As Union Baristas Challenge Company Turnaround. Starbucks is facing another wave of strikes from unionised baristas, just as the coffee giant tries to revive its business and reconnect with customers. Workers in at least 25 US cities are walking out on Red Cup Day, one of the company’s biggest annual sales events, demanding better pay and increased staffing. The strike is the third major walkout since Starbucks Workers United formed four years ago, now representing employees at more than 600 stores nationwide. Union spokesperson Michelle Eisen said recent company changes aimed at speeding up service have “run workers to the ground,” adding that baristas are struggling with increased workloads. Starbucks insists the strike will not disrupt operations at most of its 10,000 US stores, but the timing could prove damaging. The company has been promising faster service and a return to its coffeehouse roots, yet this latest labour dispute threatens to overshadow its recovery efforts. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT