Hundreds of Starbucks workers in over 100 US stores have walked off the job in a strike against a new dress code policy. The Seattle-based coffee giant is revamping its brand with a simplified color palette, which has sparked outrage among baristas.
The union, Starbucks Workers United, claims the company is not prioritizing staff needs, such as staffing and pay issues. “We’re not just angry over a shirt color,” said a striking worker. “Starbucks is a massive company without focus. They refuse to give guaranteed hours, pay us a living wage, or provide stipends for this arbitrary dress code.”
The new policy includes black shirts and khaki, blue denim bottoms, with branded t-shirts available at no cost. The company claims it wants to create a sense of familiarity for customers.
However, workers are criticizing the policy as restrictive and policing what they wear. “Wearing black doesn’t make the customer experience any better,” said another worker. “Policing our attire doesn’t address being short-staffed or dealing with long lines while we’re struggling to pay our bills.”
The strike has expanded, with over 2,000 workers walking out on Thursday. Starbucks claims that more than 99% of its stores are open today serving customers.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/05/16/starbucks-baristas-strike-dress-code-workers-walk-out