After more than 18 months of unsuccessful contract negotiations, Starbucks Workers United on Nov. 13 kicked off the “Red Cup Rebellion,” a nationwide strike that has expanded to include thousands of baristas at more than 145 coffeehouses.

As workers across New York City demonstrated on Dec. 1, Mayor Eric Adams and the city Department of Consumer and Worker Protection announced a $35 million settlement with the coffee giant over claims that workers were denied stable schedules and more shifts.

About 15,000 workers will benefit from the money, with most hourly employees receiving $50 for each week worked from July 2021 to July 2024, according to the city, which began investigating in 2022 after receiving complaints.

Starbucks paid another $3.4 million in civil penalties and promised to comply with the city’s Fair Workweek Law, which requires more predictable schedules.

Associated Press, Dec. 2 
The Guardian, Dec. 2