Zohran Mamdani Criticizes Starbucks and Stands with Workers on Picket Line

Newly elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined Starbucks employees on a picket line Monday to mark a $38.9 million settlement reached between the city and the coffee chain after an extensive labor investigation.

Under the agreement, Starbucks will distribute $35.5 million to at least 15,000 employees for violations of the citys Fair Workweek Law, which mandates that fast-food workers receive consistent schedules set at least two weeks in advance.

The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection described the settlement as the largest of its kind in New York City history.

Surrounded by unionized baristas participating in the strike, Mamdani affirmed that his incoming administration would support labor rights and hold large corporations accountable. As mayor, I will continue to join workers on picket lines across all five boroughs, said Mamdani, who is set to be sworn in on January 1. Our administration will stand with workers at every stage.

He emphasized, Being mayor of New York City provides a platform to highlight the repeated labor law violations by Starbucks.

Also present on the picket line was Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who expressed that it was an honor to support striking Starbucks employees.

The settlement was announced by the office of outgoing Mayor Eric Adams, who exited the mayoral race in September. Adams called the agreement landmark and stated it would return tens of millions of dollars to hardworking New Yorkers.

New Yorks Fair Workweek Law, implemented in 2017, seeks to stabilize retail workers schedules by prohibiting last-minute shift changes and on-call scheduling. The law requires fast-food companies to provide at least two weeks notice for shifts.

Starbucks acknowledged the laws intent but noted the practical challenges, saying minor schedule changes can constitute violations, even if total hours and pay remain consistent. The company added that more employees are now receiving schedules that better suit their lives and comply with local laws.

The settlement coincides with ongoing union negotiations at more than 600 Starbucks stores nationwide. The Workers United union represents roughly 11,000 employees seeking improved pay and benefits. Some stores have held strikes recently to pressure the company during contract talks.

Starbucks operates about 10,000 corporate-owned U.S. locations, with fewer than 1% affected by recent strikes. Both the union and company have accused each other of delaying contract agreements. A company spokesperson stated they are ready to negotiate but that union protests are being staged in New York City, representing only 200 of 4,500 local partners.

On the picket line, Mamdani described the workers demands as calls for fairness and respect rather than excessive requests.

Author: Gavin Porter