**Starbucks Baristas Strike Over New Dress Code Changes**
Baristas at approximately 100 unionized Starbucks locations have staged walkouts since Sunday in response to the company’s newly implemented dress code, as reported by the labor group representing the workers. The number of participating locations has increased since Tuesday, when around 50 stores were involved in the strikes, according to Starbucks Workers United. This group represents baristas at about 570 of the chain’s more than 10,000 company-operated locations across the United States.
While stores that faced disruptions earlier in the week have returned to normal operations, additional workers have joined the strike. On Monday, Starbucks introduced a new dress code mandating that baristas wear solid black tops, a shift from the previous policy that allowed for a variety of colors. The updated guidelines also include new regulations regarding the bottoms baristas can wear, among other changes.
Starbucks Workers United has filed a complaint with the U.S. National Labor Relations Board, claiming that these changes during ongoing contract negotiations violate labor laws and demonstrate that the company is not negotiating in good faith. In a statement released on Wednesday, Starbucks asserted that less than 1% of its U.S. workforce has participated in the strikes, emphasizing that nearly all stores remain open and operational.
As of September 29, Starbucks employed 201,000 individuals in its U.S. company-operated stores. The company remarked, “It would be more productive if the union would put the same effort into coming back to the table that they’re putting into protesting wearing black shirts to work.” Starbucks has previously stated its commitment to bargaining in good faith and ensuring that any discrepancies between negotiated agreements and store implementations are addressed lawfully and fairly.
Baristas contend that the new dress code will not enhance operations, especially as Starbucks attempts to recover from five consecutive quarters of declining same-store sales. They argue that the requirement for a new wardrobe imposes financial strain on workers. Although the company has offered to provide two Starbucks-branded shirts at no cost, it cannot guarantee their arrival by May 12, the date the new dress code takes effect.
**FAQ**
**Q: What are the main concerns of Starbucks baristas regarding the new dress code?**
A: Baristas are concerned that the new dress code will not improve operations and will create financial pressure due to the need for new uniforms, especially as the company faces declining sales.
