More than 1,200 Starbucks employees with Starbucks Workers United have gone on strike to protest a dress code policy that went into effect this week. The company says that’s a drop in the bucket.
A workers union says that more than 1,200 Starbucks employees have gone on strike to protest a new dress code policy that went into effect this week.
Walk-outs have taken place at roughly 100 stores nationwide, according to Starbucks Workers United, the company’s union group arguing that the new policy is worsening an already prevalent understaffing crisis. The clash has created a standstill between the union and the company and paused bargaining efforts to finalize a contract that addresses staffing and pay concerns.
Starbucks last month announced the dress code, which went into effect May 12. It requires baristas to wear a solid black top as part of an effort to maintain a “more defined color palette.” The company promised to provide staff with two free black T-shirts, which the union is claiming many employees have not yet received.
The company unilaterally enacted the policy without bargaining with Workers United, according to Jasmine Leli, a union bargaining delegate and Starbucks barista based in Buffalo, New York. She argues the dress code distracts the company from addressing key issues impacting staff by instead focusing on something trivial.
“The distraction is Starbucks rolling out all of these new changes when all the customer is concerned about is getting their drinks and going about their merry way. They don’t care what color shirt we have on,” Leli told USA TODAY. “Starbucks hasn’t bargained with us over this dress code change, and we just need them to get back to the table so that we can ratify this contract.”
Meanwhile, Starbucks argues that outrage over a simplified dress code is coming from staff at less than 1 percent of all stores and is the cause of delayed negotiations.
Here’s what to know.
What is Starbucks dress code policy?
Under the new Starbucks’ new dress code, baristas are required to wear a solid black top, whether it’s a crewneck, collared or button-up shirt. Meanwhile their bottoms must be a shade of black, khaki or blue denim.
The new policy is meant to further enhance the coffee giant’s signature green apron, a staple Starbucks look since its debut in 1987.
“We’re evolving our dress code in all stores to focus on simplified color options that allow our iconic green apron to shine and create a sense of familiarity for our customers, no matter which store they visit across North America,” Starbucks said in an April 14 news release.
