NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – At least seven people were arrested Tuesday during a sit-in at the Park Slope Starbucks as unionized baristas staged a strike just days before the store is set to close.
Baristas from the Seventh Avenue store in Park Slope, who unionized in October, walked off the job in what they called an unfair labor practice strike, demanding that Starbucks engage in contract talks and stop what they say is a pattern of retaliatory store closures. The location is set to shut down on Jan. 31, a decision workers say was made without bargaining with the union.
Chanting “No Contract, No Coffee” and “FAIR CONTRACT NOW!” workers and community supporters gathered outside, holding signs denouncing the closure.
“It’s been too long, and we are not going to settle for anything less than a contract that lets workers across the country know that their labor has inherent value,” said Michelle Eisen, a 14-year barista and union bargaining delegate. “If every Starbucks worker in the country walked out right now, the company would cease to exist. They need us and they know they need us and we're going to keep shouting until they bring a better offer back to the table.”
Inside the store, several protesters staged a sit-in as NYPD officers arrived. Workers blocked doors and draped a large Starbucks Workers United banner across the front window and several people were arrested.
Those arrested were charged with trespassing and issued summonses, according to the NYPD.
“Allies are being arrested in NYC after staging a peaceful sit-in to support union baristas’ fight for a contract,” Starbucks Workers United posted on X, along with a video of the arrests.
The protest follows a wave of labor actions after Starbucks didn't offer wage increases in the first year of union contracts. Last month, 5,000 Starbucks partners staged the largest unfair labor practice (ULP) strike in the company’s history.
The strike also highlights growing outrage over executive pay disparities. Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol earned $96 million in just four months in 2024 which is roughly $150,000 per hour compared to the national average wage of $16.50 per hour for baristas.
1010 WINS reached out to Starbucks for comment on the Park Slope store closure and the protest but has not yet received a response.
Workers United has filed more than 90 unfair labor practice charges in recent weeks, accusing Starbucks of backtracking on commitments regarding collective bargaining and union organizing.
Earlier this month, Starbucks said it plans an unspecified number of layoffs as it restructures its corporate staff.
In a letter to employees, Starbucks Chairman and Niccol said the Seattle coffee giant needs to ensure all work has a clear and accountable owner who can make decisions. The company also needs to reduce complexity and silos.
“Our size and structure can slow us down, with too many layers, managers of small teams and roles focused primarily on coordinating work,” Niccol wrote.
The layoffs won’t impact baristas in Starbucks’ stores. Niccol said decisions will be communicated by early March.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.