Starbucks employees are suing the company over its new dress code, claiming it is “tone deaf” and unfairly requires workers to spend money on expensive clothing. The policy, which went into effect in May, mandates that staff wear plain black shirts under their signature green aprons, as well as specific types of pants and shoes.
The employees, backed by a union, claim that the company failed to reimburse them for new clothing required by the updated policy. They have filed class-action lawsuits in three US states – Illinois, Colorado, and California – alleging that the dress code violates state laws requiring companies to reimburse workers for expenses primarily benefiting the employer.
The new dress code prohibits employees from having face tattoos or more than one facial piercing, as well as tongue piercings and “theatrical makeup”. Employees who don’t comply with the dress code won’t be allowed to start their shifts.
Employees have expressed frustration over the policy change, saying it limits their ability to express themselves and forces them to spend a significant amount of money on new clothes. One employee, Brooke Allen, said she had to go to three stores to find compliant shoes that cost her $60.09, adding an extra $86.95 to her wardrobe expenses.
The union-led lawsuits are part of a larger effort to unionize Starbucks’ stores, with the labor group having already filed hundreds of unfair labor practice charges against the company. However, the National Labor Relations Board’s ability to hear cases has been curtailed due to President Donald Trump’s actions.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/starbucks-new-dress-code-lawsuit-b2829546.html