Starbucks Debuts Holiday Cups as Workers Plan One-Day Strike - The Messenger
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Starbucks Debuts Holiday Cups as Workers Plan One-Day Strike

Hundreds of unionized Starbucks cafes are staging a single-day strike timed with the red cup release

Starbucks’ holiday drink lineup has arrived. Starbucks

Tis the season for Starbucks holiday cups, and disgruntled workers.

The world’s largest chain of cafes is giving out reusable coffee mugs — complete with festive holiday designs — for free today (as long as you buy one of several select beverages).

The cups come as unionized employees plan to strike at hundreds of locations Thursday to protest low staffing levels and a lack of progress on union contract negotiations during the annual promotion.

It’s the sixth year for the Red Cup Day promotion and this time Starbucks is pledging to reduce waste.

The cups are made from 75% recycled material in 2023, up from 50% in 2022, a Starbucks spokesperson said.

Customers who bring the cups back for future drink purchases will receive a 10 cent discount, the company said.

Of course, not everyone is excited about the promotion. Hundreds of unionized Starbucks cafes throughout North America are staging a single-day strike for the red cup release.

The drinks eligible for the red cup promotion include:

  • Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato
  • Caramel Brulée Latte
  • Chestnut Praline Latte  
  • Gingerbread Latte  
  • Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai  
  • Hot Chocolate  
  • Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso  
  • Oleato Gingerbread Oatmilk Latte   
  • Peppermint Hot Chocolate  
  • Peppermint Mocha  
  • Peppermint White Hot Chocolate  
  • Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte  
  • Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew  
  • Pumpkin Spice Latte  
  • Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte  
  • White Hot Chocolate 
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