Starbucks Baristas Strike Over New Dress Code Across 75 Stores

SEATTLE, Wash. (AP) — Over 1,000 Starbucks baristas from 75 stores across the U.S. have gone on strike since Sunday, protesting the company’s recently implemented dress code changes. The strike was announced by Starbucks Workers United, the union representing employees at many of Starbucks’ locations.

Last month, Starbucks introduced a new dress code requiring baristas to wear solid black shirts and khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms, effective Monday. The company stated that the new dress code aims to make the green aprons worn by employees more distinctive. However, the union claims that the dress code should be open for negotiating.

“Starbucks has lost its way. Instead of listening to baristas who make the Starbucks experience what it is, they are focused on all the wrong things,” said Paige Summers, a shift supervisor from Hanover, Maryland. She added, “Customers don’t care what color our clothes are when they’re waiting 30 minutes for a latte.”

Summers and other striking employees also pointed out the irony that Starbucks is still selling merchandise that does not comply with the new dress guidelines. In response to the backlash, Starbucks announced it would provide two free black T-shirts to each employee.

Despite the strike, Starbucks reported a limited impact on operations. According to the company, less than 1% of its workforce is participating, and many stores remained open. “More than 99% of our stores are open today serving customers — and have been all week,” Starbucks stated.

Starbucks Workers United has been working to unionize U.S. stores since 2021, but negotiations for a contract have not yet been completed, despite plans to return to the bargaining table in February 2024. This week, the union also filed a complaint over the company’s failure to negotiate regarding the dress code.