(LOOTPRESS) – A wave of discontent is brewing at Starbucks as workers across the country protest a newly implemented dress code they say is a distraction from more pressing workplace issues. The walkouts, organized by Starbucks Workers United, the union representing employees at more than 570 stores, began this week in response to a mandate requiring employees to wear solid black shirts under their iconic green aprons.
While the company says the change is part of a broader effort to refresh its brand and deliver a more consistent customer experience, union members argue it reflects misplaced priorities. They’re calling for the coffee giant to shift its focus toward securing fair union contracts, improving staffing, and offering better pay and hours.
“We’re not just angry over a shirt color,” Starbucks Workers United said in a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter). “We need fair union contracts now. Workers shouldn’t have to pay out-of-pocket to replace perfectly good shirts while struggling to make ends meet.”
The new dress code — announced in April and rolled out this week — requires partners to wear solid black, short- or long-sleeve tops in crew neck, collared, or button-up styles. Pants or skirts in black, khaki, or blue denim are permitted. The company has offered each worker two branded T-shirts at no cost to ease the transition.
Despite the walkouts, Starbucks maintains that the impact has been minimal. “Tens of thousands of partners showed up to work this week,” a spokesperson told FOX Business, adding that the change is simply about standardization: “Wear a black shirt — either your own or one we provide.”
The dress code overhaul is just one piece of a larger turnaround plan under CEO Laxman Narasimhan, who stepped in to lead the company through slumping sales and growing unionization efforts. Dubbed the “Back to Starbucks” strategy, the plan includes streamlining operations, simplifying the menu, and restoring pre-pandemic customer experiences — such as the return of in-store mugs and condiment bars.
Narasimhan has also pledged internal promotions for 90% of retail leadership roles, enhanced scheduling to ensure at least 24 hours of work per week for employees, and stronger benefits. Earlier this year, Starbucks cut 1,100 corporate roles and eliminated hundreds of open positions in a move to “build more agile teams.”
Still, union members say the dress code issue underscores a broader disconnect between corporate leadership and front-line workers.
“They say they want to improve the partner experience,” one barista wrote on social media. “Start by listening to us.”
So far, fewer than 1% of stores have been affected by the walkouts, but union leaders say the protests are just getting started.
