Photo: Jay Willett/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Thursday kicked off the annual tradition at Starbucks, where if you purchase a holiday-themed drink, you get a free reusable red holiday cup.
Many patrons were lining up to get their cup of holiday cheer.
“I think it’s really fun, I think it gets people in which is really cool,” said one customer. “And everybody’s been so nice today.”
The event can bring joy to many during the holidays, but over one thousand Starbucks baristas nationwide are using it as a time for action.
Unionized baristas have planned a “Red Cup Rebellion” strike for a new working contract, with over 60 stores across states such as California, Illinois, Ohio, and even Washington participating.
Despite planned picketing, Starbucks has assured customers that there will be small disruptions. A Starbucks spokesperson told WBZ NewsRadio, “Less than 1% of our coffeehouses are experiencing any level of disruption.”
No strikes have been planned for Starbucks throughout Massachusetts. Baristas say that better staffing, higher pay, and a resolution to unfair labor practices are their goals.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Jay Willett (@JayWillettWBZ) reports.