Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani Joins Starbucks Workers on Strike in NYC

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders joined Starbucks baristas and union supporters on a Park Slope picket line, lending high-profile backing to ongoing labor actions at Starbucks stores across New York City and nationwide.

Workers from Starbucks Workers United are calling for a fair contract that ensures higher wages and reliable scheduling. Their push comes amid a $38 million settlement announced by the city, requiring Starbucks to pay $35 million in restitution to roughly 15,000 workers and an additional $3.4 million in civil penalties for labor law violations, including inconsistent scheduling and hours cuts.

Mamdani and Sanders, long-time proponents of unionization, praised the employees’ efforts and criticized Starbucks’ treatment of workers, framing the settlement as validation of the baristas’ claims.

Starbucks, meanwhile, downplayed the strikes’ impact, asserting that most stores continue to operate normally and highlighting average hourly pay and benefits of $30 for retail partners. The company also cited New York’s complex employment laws and its investments in scheduling and compensation improvements, which workers argue have yet to fully materialize.

Mamdani told he plans to follow up on employees’ concerns once he assumes office, signaling continued support for organized labor in the city.