Boycott Starbucks: Influencer Mobilizes 1M Followers Amid Strike

Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York, recently mobilized his one million followers on X, previously known as Twitter, to boycott Starbucks amidst a major labor strike. He stated, 'Starbucks workers across the country are on an Unfair Labor Practices strike, fighting for a fair contract.' Mamdani announced his personal boycott, urging his followers to join him, declaring, 'Together, we can send a powerful message: No contract, no coffee.' This call to action coincided with an open-ended strike initiated by Starbucks Workers United, which represents the company's unionized workers.

The union made it clear on social media that they are prepared for this to be the longest and largest Unfair Labor Practices strike in Starbucks history, rallying supporters with the hashtag #NoContractNoCoffee.

They emphasized their demands, urging consumers not to purchase Starbucks products during the strike. Interestingly, this strike began on Starbucks' Red Cup Day, traditionally one of the busiest days for the company, when customers are offered a free reusable festive cup.

The combination of the boycott call and the timing of the strike could significantly impact Starbucks' sales during this critical holiday season. Mamdani's influence as a political figure and social media mobilizer underscores the increasing power of influencers in labor movements.

His election victory is notable, having defeated former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in both the Democratic primary and the general election. Both Starbucks and Mamdani's office have not yet commented on this developing situation, but the public response is being closely monitored as the strike unfolds.

Sources indicate that the union's immediate goal is to secure a new contract that addresses workers' concerns about labor practices at Starbucks, while Mamdani's actions highlight the intersection of social media activism and labor rights.