Starbucks 2025 Red Cup Day Sparks Urgent Rush Amid Worker Strikes

UPDATE: Starbucks’ highly anticipated Red Cup Day took place today, November 13, 2025, igniting a massive rush for the limited-edition reusable red cups. Customers eager to grab the free 16-ounce cups must act fast as supplies are rapidly depleting, and the demand is reaching new heights.

Starbucks announced that the coveted red cups are available with any purchase of a handcrafted holiday or fall beverage, excluding the Starbucks Christmas Blend and Reserve Christmas brewed coffees. The promotion applies to all order methods—whether in-store, drive-thru, through the Starbucks app, or via delivery services.

The festive menu launched on November 6 features returning favorites like the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, and Sugar Cookie Latte. Seasonal baked goods are also back, as Starbucks aims to meet the heightened excitement this year. A company spokesperson hinted, “We are giving away more cups than ever before,” indicating preparations for the overwhelming customer demand.

However, this year’s festivity comes with tension as over 1,000 unionized Starbucks workers have launched a coordinated strike across 65 U.S. stores, including major cities like New York City, Philadelphia, San Diego, and Starbucks’ home base of Seattle. The strike coincides with Red Cup Day to protest the company’s slow progress in labor negotiations. Union leaders remain hopeful that the strike will facilitate advancements in talks, despite Starbucks claiming that service disruptions are minimal.

Starbucks Workers United reports that the strikes are impacting stores in 45 cities, with additional locations potentially joining if contract negotiations stall. Starbucks maintains that the majority of its nearly 10,000 company-owned U.S. stores will continue to operate normally, despite about 550 being unionized. Notably, the company closed 59 unionized stores in September, citing business reorganization.

As customers flock to stores for their holiday drinks, they are urged to order early to avoid disappointment. With the excitement surrounding both the Red Cups and the ongoing labor movements, today marks a pivotal moment for Starbucks as it navigates the festive rush amidst labor unrest.

Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.