Overview

• Starbucks Workers United reports over 1,200 baristas have walked out at approximately 100 U.S. and Canadian stores since May 12, when the new dress code took effect.
• The policy requires employees to wear solid black shirts and specific bottoms, with Starbucks providing two free shirts, which workers say is insufficient for multiple shifts.
• The union claims the dress code was implemented without proper negotiation, filing a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board for alleged unfair labor practices.
• Baristas argue the company should prioritize addressing chronic understaffing and operational inefficiencies instead of enforcing restrictive policies.
• Starbucks states that fewer than 1% of its stores are affected by the strikes and urges the union to return to contract negotiations to resolve broader disputes.