SHOTLIST:

NEW YORK, US (DEC. 04, 2025) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL)

1. VARIOUS OF STARBUCKS WORKERS HOLDING STARBUCKS CUPS, BANNERS, AND CHANTING SLOGANS DURING PROTEST IN FRONT OF EMPIRE STATE BUILDING IN NY

2. VARIOUS OF PROTESTERS CHANTING SLOGANS WHILE SITTING IN FRONT EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

3. ARRESTED STARBUCKS WORKERS BEING TAKEN AWAY BY POLICE (TWO SHOTS)

4. VARIOUS OF ARRESTED PROTESTERS

5. PROTESTERS CHANTING SLOGANS

6. ARRESTED PROTESTERS (TWO SHOTS)

7. ARRESTED MAN BEING TAKEN TO POLICE BUS

8. POLICE OFFICERS NEAR ARRESTED WOMAN

9. PROTESTERS CHANTING SLOGANS

10. PROTESTERS HOLDING SIGNS

11. PROTESTERS CHANTING SLOGANS WHILE MARCHING
NEW YORK, US - DEC. 04, 2025: Several Starbucks workers and labor supporters were arrested on Thursday, Dec. 4, as New York police intervened in a protest outside the Empire State Building, part of a nationwide strike calling for improved working conditions and a first union contract.

The demonstration was organized under the banner of the “Red Cup Rebellion,” an open-ended strike launched on Nov. 13 by Starbucks Workers United. The movement has rapidly expanded, now involving more than 120 stores across 85 U.S. cities, after union leaders accused the company of stalling contract negotiations and filed hundreds of unfair labor practice charges.

Tensions escalated when protesters blocked access points near the landmark skyscraper, prompting NYPD officers to disperse the crowd and detain several participants. Authorities did not immediately provide details on the number of arrests.

The strike has drawn significant political attention. Earlier this week, New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders visited a picket line in Brooklyn to express support for the striking baristas and urge Starbucks to engage in good-faith negotiations.

Union representatives said workers are demanding adequate staffing, stable scheduling, and improved workplace conditions. They vowed to continue demonstrations until progress is made on a first contract.