National coffee chain Starbucks implemented a new uniform policy this week, and employees at the chain’s unionized stores are on strike in opposition to the change.
Starting Monday, the chain changed its permissible clothing for employees to “any solid black short and long-sleeved crewneck, collared, or button-up shirts and any shade of khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms,” in order to provide more contrast to the green Starbucks apron, Starbucks said on its website.
Starbucks also said that it would provide two new branded, policy-compliant shirts to employees at no cost. Previously, workers were permitted to wear a wider set of dark colors along with patterned shirts, according to The Associated Press.
Starbucks Workers United, which represents employees at 570 of the chain’s 10,000 U.S. locations, says the focus on attire reflects misguided priorities.
Their strike started Sunday and dovetails with their demands for a new contract. Walkouts have occurred at more than 50 U.S. stores, the union told Bloomberg.
“We’re not just walking out over a shirt color. Starbucks is a MASSIVE company that refuses to focus on what’s important. Customers and baristas alike want fully staffed stores, lower prices + wait times, and workers to be taken care of,” the union wrote on Facebook.
“Let’s stop micromanaging baristas’ shoes and focus on what’s important … and a good place to start is finalizing contracts with baristas at nearly 600 stores,” the union said.
The chain says that the strike is having a limited impact.
“It would be more productive if the union would put the same effort into coming back to the table that they’re putting into protesting wearing black shirts to work. More than 99% of our stores are open today serving customers — and have been all week,” Starbucks told the AP.
