CHICAGO- The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) is urging flight attendants across the United States to stop buying Starbucks coffee as part of a campaign supporting the coffee chain’s unionized workers. Sara Nelson, the union’s international president, launched the “No Contract, No Coffee” appeal on October 16, 2026.
The campaign brings an established labor dispute into the airline industry, where coffee runs are a familiar part of many crew members’ pre-flight routines. Nelson argues that Starbucks employees seeking better pay, predictable schedules and stronger workplace protections deserve support from workers who have faced similar concerns in their own profession.
AFA-CWA Calls for Boycott
In its campaign announcement, AFA-CWA framed the boycott as a show of solidarity with Starbucks employees who voted to unionize but have yet to secure a comprehensive first contract.
Nelson used the seasonal popularity of pumpkin spice drinks to promote the message, arguing that flight attendants should withhold their business while negotiations remain unresolved
The union leader also highlighted allegations of labor-law violations against Starbucks, citing more than 400 confirmed violations and hundreds of additional cases awaiting resolution.
Those figures were presented by Nelson as part of the campaign; they should be distinguished from the outcomes of individual legal proceedings.
AFA-CWA represents flight attendants at several major US airlines, including United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines and regional carrier Endeavor Air.
Its involvement gives the campaign access to a large workforce whose members regularly travel through airports where Starbucks operates outlets.
Starbucks Union Dispute
Starbucks Workers United began organizing employees in Buffalo, New York, in 2021. The campaign subsequently spread nationwide, with workers winning union representation at hundreds of locations.
However, winning union elections has not automatically resulted in a nationwide agreement covering wages, scheduling and other employment conditions.
The union has sought improved starting pay, stronger protections against discrimination and unfair discipline, better health and safety standards, and adequate staffing levels.
Workers United has also accused Starbucks of failing to bargain in good faith and engaging in anti-union conduct. Starbucks has faced multiple labor-law cases, although the allegations and findings vary by case.
In November 2025, unionized baristas launched a nationwide unfair labor practice strike, demanding progress toward a first contract. Workers United has continued pressing for an agreement, including through renewed bargaining efforts in 2026.
The flight attendants’ boycott adds another potential source of pressure on the company as the dispute continues.
Airport Coffee Challenge
The proposed boycott could be particularly noticeable in the aviation industry because Starbucks outlets operate at numerous airports and serve travelers, airport employees and airline crews.
For flight attendants who regularly pass through terminals between flights, avoiding the chain may require changing an established routine or choosing another coffee provider.
However, the campaign’s practical impact will depend on how many union members participate and whether their decisions influence Starbucks’ business.
Airport concession options also vary, meaning some crew members may have fewer convenient alternatives than others.
Nelson’s appeal is part of a broader effort to connect workers across industries through collective action. By asking flight attendants to support baristas seeking a contract, AFA-CWA is making the case that labor disputes extend beyond individual workplaces.
The campaign’s central demand is straightforward: flight attendants should avoid Starbucks until the company reaches an agreement with its unionized workers, PYOK flagged.
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