Unionized Starbucks baristas and supporters rallied outside a Starbucks location near the Merle Hay Mall in Des Moines on Oct. 28, 2025 calling for the company to bargain with the union or face a strike. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)
While the government shutdown is not set to impact the strike being considered by Starbucks unionized workers, organizers said the recent government action has affected the ability of some Starbucks employees across the country to form their own unions.
A group of Starbucks baristas and supporters rallied outside the Des Moines Starbucks location near the Merle Hay Mall Tuesday, holding signs saying, “No contract? No coffee!” and “Just practicing for a just contract” as they led chants and cheered with passing cars…