Starbucks Workers Go on Strike over New Dress Code

For many people, coffee shops are more than just a place to grab a drink.

They’re a daily stop, a familiar face behind the counter, and a space that feels casual and welcoming.

But this week, that familiar feeling has changed for many Starbucks workers—and customers have started to notice.

Since Sunday, more than 2,000 Starbucks baristas at 120 stores in the U.S. have gone on strike, according to AP News.

They’re protesting a new dress code that limits what they can wear to work. The change went into effect on Monday.

Now, baristas must wear a solid black shirt and pants or jeans in black, khaki, or blue denim.

The company says this will make the green apron pop and help create a cozy, uniform feel for customers.

Before this, workers had more freedom. They could wear dark-colored shirts and even patterns.

The new rules, many say, feel too strict and unnecessary. Some baristas are frustrated that clothes they once bought from Starbucks’ own store are now off-limits.

Starbucks has offered each worker two free black shirts, but the gesture hasn’t been enough to quiet the pushback.

The union representing Starbucks workers—Starbucks Workers United—says the dress code should have been part of contract talks.

Paige Summers, a shift supervisor in Maryland, spoke out about the issue.

She said customers aren’t waiting for a barista in a black shirt. They’re waiting for their drinks, and often for far too long.

As of Wednesday, about 1,000 workers had walked out at 75 locations. Starbucks said the impact has been small.

Most stores stayed open, and some were only closed for less than an hour.

Not everyone is upset. One store manager in Seattle said the change was tough at first but helped create a more consistent look across the team.

The dress code debate is just one part of a larger battle. Since 2021, Starbucks workers have been pushing to unionize.

They’ve yet to reach a contract with the company. This week, the union filed a complaint, saying Starbucks made the dress code changes without proper negotiations.