Starbucks Implements New Dress Code Amid Union Opposition

Starbucks is set to implement a new dress code for its North American employees starting May 12, requiring solid black tops and khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms. The company states that this change aims to enhance brand visibility and create a consistent customer experience, while also providing employees with two company-branded shirts at no cost. However, the announcement has sparked backlash from Starbucks Workers United, which represents many employees and argues that the focus should be on negotiating fair contracts and improving wages rather than enforcing a restrictive dress code. Union representatives claim that such changes are premature, as a tentative dress code agreement was previously negotiated, and they demand that any new policies await the conclusion of ongoing bargaining sessions. Critics emphasize that the company is prioritizing aesthetics over pressing operational issues, forcing baristas to incur additional costs for clothing amid ongoing concerns about wages and working conditions. Starbucks maintains that the new guidelines will simplify dress code compliance and allow employees to concentrate on customer engagement.