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Starbucks Workers Strike Over New Dress Code Policy

Prime Highlights

  • Over 2,000 Starbucks workers at 120 stores struck in a protest against a new dress code order requiring solid black tops and color-coded bottoms.
  • The unionized employees condemned the order as non-bargained and as economically burdensome for already low-paid workers.

Key Facts

  • The new dress policy calls for solid black blouse and black, khaki, or blue denim bottoms to make the legendary green apron stand out.
  • Starbucks provided each employee with two company-branded T-shirts, but employees say it’s not enough—especially for double-shift or full-time workers.

Key Background

In May 2025, Starbucks rolled out a new dress code in its U.S. stores, requiring employees to don black solid-colored tops and khaki, black, or blue denim as bottom wear. The action, the company claimed, is to achieve a more standardized store appearance and make the visibility of the iconic green apron more notable. Starbucks says the action is one among many that it is taking to enhance the overall customer experience.

But the policy has also precipitated a string of protests led by Starbucks Workers United, the union that represents most of the company’s baristas. Union leaders argue the dress code had been unilaterally imposed without collective bargaining, an action that they say is in violation of labour conventions and an exercise of contempt of workers. Also, most of the workers complained about how expensive it was to maintain the policy, particularly that two branded tops were being given for free.

Frustration spilled over into coordinated walkouts by more than 2,000 workers at 120 Starbucks stores across the nation. Protesters griped about the company’s priorities, crying understaffing, erratic scheduling, and compensation as more issues than dress code compliance. In addition, new footwear policies have imposed added costs on staff.

Despite the labor protest, Starbucks reported that more than 99% of stores remained open for business. Corporate officials maintain that the dress code is part of a broader “Back to Starbucks” initiative to streamline operations, improve mobile ordering, and revive brand performance as sales slow. But the resistance also stems from continued tension between Starbucks’ corporate ambitions and employees’ calls for greater inclusion and equity in decision-making.

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