Starbucks Baristas Strike Over Dress Code

Over 1,000 Starbucks baristas at 75 US stores, represented by Starbucks unions, went on strike to protest a new dress code implemented by Starbucks. The new policy, effective Monday, requires employees to wear solid black shirts and specific colored bottoms under their green aprons, a change from a broader range of dark colors and patterns previously allowed. Starbucks stated the new rules aim to make green aprons stand out and create familiarity for customers, offering two free black T-shirts to employees. However, Starbucks unions argues the dress code should be subject to collective bargaining and filed a complaint with the United States — National Labor Relations Board. Union representatives, including Paige Summers and Michelle Bachelet, criticized Starbucks for focusing on restrictive policies instead of employee concerns and for selling branded apparel that no longer complies with the new code. Starbucks maintains the strike has had a limited impact on its 10,000 company-operated US stores and urged the union to return to contract negotiations.