Starbucks Baristas Protest New Dress Code with Nationwide Strikes

Published 10 hours agoSBUX

Starbucks Baristas Protest New Dress Code with Nationwide Strikes

Starbucks baristas have taken action against the company's newly implemented dress code, initiating strikes at more than 50 locations. The policy, set to start on May 12, 2025, mandates that baristas wear solid black shirts and khaki, black, or blue denim pants, aiming to highlight the green apron and create a unified coffeehouse appearance. This change has led to tensions between Starbucks and its unionized workforce.

Starbucks Workers United, which represents employees across over 500 company-operated stores, argues that the new dress code was enforced without necessary negotiations. The union opposes this policy, claiming Starbucks must bargain with unionized employees about any changes to their working conditions. In response, organized walkouts have commenced in major cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle, with plans to increase the number of strike locations.

According to Axios, Starbucks stands by the dress code as a component of its "Back to Starbucks" initiative under CEO Brian Niccol. This strategy is part of broader efforts to revitalize the brand and enhance customer experience. Despite the company's position, a National Labor Relations Board judge previously determined that Starbucks had breached federal labor law regarding a previous dress code policy, emphasizing the need for careful policy implementation.

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