A Starbucks Workers United protest in Minden came to an end after protesters were cited for trespassing at a Starbucks Roasting Plant.
The protest was part of the Red Cup Rebellion, an open-ended strike by Starbucks baristas focused on unfair labor practices.
Unionized Starbucks baristas from the McCarran and Lakeside locations in Reno joined the strike, which includes more than 3,800 baristas at over 180 stores in more than 130 cities.
Striking baristas cited what they called unresolved labor law violations and historic union-busting efforts by Starbucks.
According to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, in an online post, at around 5:40 a.m., protesters went to the Starbucks Roasting Plant in Minden. When they arrived, a number of them blocked the main truck entrance on the property.
When deputies arrived, they saw approximately 75 people on the property, with approximately 30 actively blocking the main truck gate and the vehicle entrance.
After deputies made an announcement to protesters, some stayed on the property, leading to a total of 32 citations in lieu of physical arrests.
Eventually, deputies made multiple additional announcements to leave the property or face arrest. Deputies say several protesters remained near the main gate and refused to leave.
According to authorities, deputies then contacted the remaining protesters, advising them again to relocate, but they did not.
According to a spokesperson from the Starbucks Workers United organization, delivery trucks were turned away from the picket line at the Minden facility during the protest.
Starbucks Workers United did say that the protest was peaceful, in their released statement.
However, deputies say, the 32 protesters did refuse to comply and were eventually arrested for trespassing.
Deputies say other protesters did comply with lawful orders that were given and they relocated to public areas to continue protesting.
Later Monday, union baristas and allies are scheduled to hold a rally in Reno at 6890 S. McCarran Boulevard to mark the one-month anniversary of the Red Cup Rebellion.
The event will include striking baristas from the Minden protest, local union members, and community supporters, advocating for a fair, first union contract and calling attention to what they call ongoing labor law violations.
Organizers of the strike say that since the ULP strike began on November 13, many supporters have committed to not buying Starbucks in solidarity.
More than 150 baristas have joined Workers United and won union elections at seven stores as the nationwide movement continues to grow.
Starbucks Workers United says the strike is focused on securing better hours to improve staffing in stores, citing what it describes as widespread understaffing that has led to longer wait times while many baristas still struggle to receive enough hours to qualify for benefits or cover basic expenses.
The group also says it is pushing for higher take-home pay, arguing that many baristas struggle financially while company executives earn millions.
In addition, Starbucks Workers United says it is seeking a resolution to hundreds of outstanding unfair labor practice charges related to alleged union busting, calling for the company to fully address legal issues impacting baristas.
The organization says allies across the United States and internationally have demonstrated in support of union baristas and pledged not to cross picket lines until Starbucks returns to the bargaining table.
