More than 1,200 Starbucks employees have gone on strike this week to protest a newly implemented dress code policy, according to the workers’ union.
Walkouts have occurred at around 100 stores across the country, reported Starbucks Workers United, the union representing the employees. The union claims the new dress code is intensifying an existing understaffing problem, stalling negotiations on a contract that would address key concerns like staffing and wages.
New Dress Code Policy Sparks Tensions
Starbucks introduced the updated dress code on May 12, requiring baristas to wear solid black tops as part of a push for a “more defined color palette.” To support the change, the company promised to distribute two free black T-shirts to every staff member—a promise that many workers say hasn’t been fulfilled.
According to Jasmine Leli, a union bargaining delegate and barista from Buffalo, New York, Starbucks imposed the policy without negotiating with the union. Leli argued the company should be focused on fixing real issues like low staffing and wages, instead of enforcing cosmetic changes.
“The distraction is Starbucks rolling out all of these new changes when all the customer is concerned about is getting their drinks,” Leli told USA TODAY. “They don’t care what color shirt we have on. Starbucks hasn’t bargained with us over this dress code change, and we just need them to get back to the table.”
What the New Dress Code Requires
Under the updated policy, Starbucks baristas must wear:
- A solid black top — crewneck, collared, or button-up
- Bottoms in black, khaki, or blue denim
The company says the change enhances the visibility of its iconic green apron, part of the Starbucks identity since 1987.
“We’re evolving our dress code to simplify color choices and let our iconic apron shine, creating familiarity for customers across North America,” Starbucks stated in an April 14 press release.
Starbucks: Only a Small Fraction Participating
Despite the protests, Starbucks says that more than 99% of its 10,000+ locations remain unaffected. The company downplayed the strike, calling it an attempt to disrupt business over a minor issue.
“While the union is focused on a simplified dress code, we’re focused on providing the best job in retail,” the company said. Starbucks emphasized its average compensation package of over $30 per hour, including wages and benefits.
“It would be more productive if the union returned to the table to finalize a reasonable contract.”
Legal Challenges and Worker Pushback
In response to the new policy, Workers United filed an updated unfair labor practice charge in April with the U.S. National Labor Relations Board, accusing Starbucks of implementing the dress code without bargaining. A similar charge was filed last December for bad faith bargaining.
Baristas say that since the dress code went into effect, some have been sent home for not wearing the correct attire. Leli called the enforcement “chaos,” especially since employees only received two shirts for up to five shifts a week—and some haven’t received any shirts at all due to system errors.
“The floors are already short-staffed, and now people are getting sent home because of the shade of their jeans,” Leli said.
Workers Cite Financial Strain, Disconnection from Reality
Paige Summers, a Starbucks supervisor in Hanover, Maryland, said many employees can’t afford to overhaul their wardrobes. She noted that workers had previously purchased company T-shirts now deemed non-compliant under the new rules.
“Starbucks has lost its way,” Summers said in a union-released statement. “Instead of listening to the baristas who define the Starbucks experience, they’re prioritizing the wrong things. Customers don’t care what color our clothes are when they’re waiting 30 minutes for a latte.”
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Vikas Lalit is an experienced content writer at OTE News, covering business, economy, and international affairs. With a degree in Journalism, he combines analytical thinking with engaging storytelling to deliver well-researched updates. Vikas is passionate about uncovering underreported stories that impact readers.
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