Starbucks Red Cup Day Sparks Urgent Demand Amid Worker Strikes

UPDATE: Today, November 13, 2025, Starbucks fans flock to stores for Red Cup Day, a beloved holiday tradition marked by the launch of the limited-edition 2025 reusable red cup. Customers are urged to act quickly, as supplies are limited and demand is soaring.

Starbucks announced that patrons can receive the free 16-ounce cup by ordering any handcrafted holiday or fall beverage, with the exception of the Starbucks Christmas Blend and Starbucks Reserve Christmas brewed coffees. This offer is valid for orders placed in-store, via drive-thru, through the Starbucks app, or via food delivery services.

The company’s festive menu, which debuted on November 6, features seasonal favorites like the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, and Sugar Cookie Latte, alongside returning bakery items and snacks. To meet the expected surge in interest, Starbucks has committed to distributing more cups than ever before.

However, the excitement surrounding the red cups is overshadowed by a significant labor movement. Over 1,000 unionized workers are striking across 65 U.S. stores, including major cities like New York City, Philadelphia, San Diego, and Seattle. This coordinated action coincides with Red Cup Day as workers protest Starbucks’ slow progress in contract negotiations. This isn’t the first time such protests have occurred; similar strikes took place during Red Cup Day in both 2022 and 2023.

“The excitement for our merchandise exceeded even our biggest expectations,” a Starbucks spokesperson told The New York Post. “We understand many customers were excited about the Bearista cup and apologize for the disappointment this may have caused.”

Despite the ongoing strikes, Starbucks maintains that most of its approximately 10,000 company-owned U.S. stores will remain operational. Currently, around 550 of these locations are unionized. The company previously closed 59 unionized stores as part of a business reorganization, which has fueled further worker dissatisfaction.

As customers rush to enjoy their favorite holiday beverages and secure their coveted red cups, the impact of the strikes looms large. Union leaders express hope that today’s protests will spur negotiations, potentially affecting store operations as more locations may join the strike if no contract deal is reached.

For now, those eager to grab the festive cup should act fast—once the cups are gone, they’re gone. Keep an eye on store availability and consider ordering early to avoid disappointment. The excitement around Starbucks’ holiday offerings is palpable, but so is the urgency of the labor movement demanding fair treatment for workers.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops and share your Red Cup Day experiences with fellow fans on social media!