Starbucks Dress Code Sparks Employee Walkouts Across U.S. Stores

Seattle, WA – Starbucks is facing significant backlash from employees over a new dress code that went into effect on Monday. The coffee giant announced that baristas must wear only a black shirt and designated types of bottoms, with many workers feeling this change complicates their financial situation.

Since the dress code change, hundreds of employees from 50 locations have walked off the job in protest. This move, reported by Workers United, a labor union representing over 10,000 Starbucks workers, highlights discontent over the company’s failure to adhere to previously agreed-upon policies.

A union delegate stated, “The policy change puts the burden on baristas, many of whom are already struggling to get by, to buy new clothes or risk being disciplined.” Workers claim the new dress code materially differs from a tentative agreement reached earlier.

In response to the protests, Starbucks maintains that it is business as usual. The company asserts that the new policy is “simple,” urging baristas to wear a black shirt, which can be either their own or provided by the company.

Starbucks has been in negotiations with the union for a new contract for years. The most recent offer was rejected in April. Starbucks operates more than 15,000 locations worldwide, including approximately 9,000 in the U.S., with around 200,000 employees working in these stores. The green apron, a symbol of the brand since 1987, has become a point of contention amid the ongoing contract discussions.