PARK SLOPE—  Seven people protesting the closure of a Starbucks on Seventh Ave. were arrested on the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 28. Unionized workers delivered their strike notice at 12 p.m., and 30 minutes later, the New York Police Department (NYPD) entered and arrested individuals who were occupying the store. 

These arrests mark one of the first instances of Starbucks union members being arrested at a protest. 

“We had some allies and some supporters who occupied the cafe after the workers marched out on strike wanting to draw attention to the fact that the store is being closed permanently,” said Michelle Eisen, a Starbucks partner of over 10 years. 

The event was organized by unionized baristas and supporters who alleged that Starbucks closed the store in retaliation to the store’s unionization in October 2024. A combination of community members, other unions and allies from different stores attended in solidarity with the Park Slope baristas.