Starbucks Boycott Promoted on Social Media Amid Worker Strike

New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, leveraging his significant social media following of over one million on X, has called for a boycott of Starbucks amid an ongoing worker strike. In a post on Thursday, Mamdani emphasized the plight of Starbucks workers who are engaged in an Unfair Labor Practices strike, advocating for better contractual terms.

He stated, "While workers are on strike, I won’t be buying any Starbucks, and I’m asking you to join us. Together, we can send a powerful message: No contract, no coffee." This call to action coincided with Starbucks Workers United, the union representing the workers, announcing the start of an open-ended strike, referred to as the "Red Cup Rebellion." According to the union, this strike could become the longest and largest of its kind in Starbucks history, urging supporters to refrain from purchasing Starbucks products during this period with the hashtag #NoContractNoCoffee.

The report highlights that this mobilization is particularly significant as it occurred on Starbucks' Red Cup Day, a promotional event that usually draws large crowds to stores for free festive red cups.

The context of this strike and boycott illustrates a growing trend in which social media serves as a powerful tool for labor movements, enabling activists to rally public support and drive corporate accountability.

The intersection of digital platforms and labor activism reflects a changing landscape where workers are increasingly using technology to amplify their voices and advocate for their rights. As digital life continues to evolve, the implications of such movements on privacy and data usage are critical to consider, especially when discussing how personal data may be utilized in organizing efforts.

Mamdani's office, along with Starbucks, did not provide immediate comments following the announcement, indicating potential challenges for both parties in addressing the ongoing labor dispute.