Starbucks workers strike over new dress code

Published: Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 6:07 pm

Starbucks Workers Strike Over New Dress Code, Union Says Focus Should Be on Contracts

Starbucks employees, represented by Starbucks Workers United, are staging walkouts in response to the company's newly implemented dress code. The new policy, which requires baristas to wear solid black shirts under their aprons, has sparked outrage among some workers who feel the company should prioritize negotiating fair union contracts.

The union, representing employees at 570 of Starbucks' 10,000+ locations, argues the dress code is "regressive" and diverts attention from crucial issues like staffing, guaranteed hours, and living wages. They also expressed concern over the financial burden the new dress code places on employees who may need to purchase new shirts.

While the protests have affected less than 1% of Starbucks stores, the union's stance highlights ongoing tensions between the company and its workforce. Starbucks, under CEO Brian Niccol, aims to refresh its store image and boost business. The dress code change is part of this effort, intended to create a more consistent customer experience. The company initially offered two free company-branded T-shirts to employees.

Niccol, who took over in September, has implemented a "Back to Starbucks" strategy, which includes streamlining operations, simplifying the menu, and boosting employee benefits. These benefits include increased parental leave, improved scheduling, and a goal for employees to receive at least 24 hours of work per week. The company is also committed to filling 90% of retail leadership roles internally.

Keywords: Starbucks, Starbucks Workers United, dress code, strike, union, black shirts, Brian Niccol, employee benefits, fair contracts, walkout, coffeehouse, retail, wages, staffing, guaranteed hours, company policy

Full Story