A strike by Starbucks baristas protesting the company’s new dress code has expanded. According to Starbucks Workers United, over 2,000 baristas at 120 U.S. locations have been on strike since Sunday.
Starbucks implemented new restrictions on Monday regarding attire under its green aprons. Employees in the U.S. and Canada are now required to wear solid black shirts and khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms.
Previously, the dress code allowed a broader range of dark colors and patterned shirts. Starbucks stated that the updated rules are intended to make the green aprons stand out and create familiarity for customers, aiming for a more welcoming atmosphere in stores.
Starbucks Workers United, representing employees at 570 of the 10,000 company-owned U.S. stores, argued that the dress code should be part of collective bargaining.
Paige Summers, a shift supervisor from Hanover, Maryland, expressed concern, stating that Starbucks seemed to be focusing on minor issues instead of listening to employees. She noted that customers are more concerned with service speed than clothing colors.
Additionally, employees criticized the company for selling Starbucks-branded clothing online, which they are now prohibited from wearing. In response, Starbucks offered two free black T-shirts to each employee.
On Wednesday, the union reported that 1,000 workers had walked out at 75 U.S. stores. Starbucks reported minimal impact on its operations, stating that more than 99% of stores remained open.
Opinions about the dress code among Associated Press readers varied. Some believed baristas had little reason to complain, given similar policies in other retail environments, while others felt the company should focus on product quality and employee satisfaction.
Maddie Mucklow, a store manager in Seattle, supported the dress code, suggesting it provided consistency while allowing individual expression.
Starbucks Workers United has been unionizing stores since 2021, yet a contract agreement with Starbucks has not been reached. A return to bargaining discussions is expected in February 2024. The union also lodged a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board, citing the company’s lack of negotiation over the new dress code.
