Starbucks union hits out at new dress code announcement: 'We're struggling as it is'

[Omaha Steve]

Source: The Independent

The coffee chain will no longer allow employees to wear tops of any color

Brittany Miller
in New York
Tuesday 15 April 2025 11:45 EDT

Starbucks is introducing a new dress code for its baristas — and union workers are not happy.

On Monday, the coffee chain announced the uniform would be implemented from May 12. The previous dress code allowed for tops of any color and bottoms, hats, footwear, and outerwear to be black, gray, navy, brown, khaki, or white.

The new dress code requires employees to wear a solid black shirt that is either a crewneck, collared, or button-up. The shirts can be short-sleeved or long-sleeved. Employees must also wear bottoms that can be any shade of khaki, black, or blue denim.

“By updating our dress code, we can deliver a more consistent coffeehouse experience that will also bring simpler and clearer guidance to our partners, which means they can focus on what matters most, crafting great beverages and fostering connections with customers,” a press release stated.



Read more: https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/starbucks-dress-code-baristas-union-b2733791.html

[Tansy_Gold]

1. I took that to mean they can't wear tops of ANY color.

What they meant was they can't wear tops of just any color.

[Jack Valentino]

12. "STARBUCKS GOES TOPLESS!"

That might help sales... might even attract a new customer demographic--
although not one which would improve the 'ambiance' of their establishments....

[Polybius]

14. I'd be obese!

From going there three times a day.

[Basso8vb]

2. How about you provide them, Starbucks?

So glad I stopped patronizing this chain years ago.

[ificandream]

7. Yes, they should if they're going to demand a dress code.

[LauraInLA]

11. According to the article, the company will be providing two. Starbucks' coffee is still overrated ;).

[Jack Valentino]

13. And over-priced....

[Jacson6]

3. OMG! My barista is wearing a red shirt with blue jeans.

I'll never buy coffee here again!!!!

[intrepidity]

4. Jumping on the fascism bandwagon?

Interesting timing, no?

[cstanleytech]

5. I don't think so as a lot of companies have dress codes especially the service industry.

I think that they should allow some leeway for short color though such as red, blue, green and purple.

[intrepidity]

9. Sure, but why now?

They see that now is the time to push.

[cstanleytech]

16. They are probably trying for a new image to improve sales like McDonald's has done with the brick shithouse redesign.

[catchnrelease]

6. I think I'm missing something

I don't understand the outrage for this situation. I worked for the city of LA, and was in a union, and we were required to wear uniforms of a certain color. When I was hired (1980ish) they gave us two sets of tops/bottoms and a jacket as we worked outside most of the time. Anything after those sets of clothes we had to buy ourselves and it had to be within certain parameters--could be a polo type shirt in a specific color, and later they allowed t-shirts in that color with the city's logo on it. The pants could be jeans or a Dickies type pant, but only in brown. The uniforms saved having to pick out something to wear each day and/or ruining 'normal' clothes.

I get it that the employees feel that their more important issues are not being dealt with and management is stonewalling on them. Is it because the Starbucks baristas have to buy their own? Maybe they feel that this is an issue they can fight back on?

[Ms. Toad]

8. Also from the article

On top of the new dress code, the company revealed it would be providing employees with two company-branded shirts.

[GenThePerservering]

10. Starbucks...trying to be cool indie coffeehouse

while their employees dress in uniforms like McDonalds.

Their coffee sucks, too.

[LudwigPastorius]

15. This comes in the middle of collective bargaining negotiations.

It's a power play by the company.

Their way of telling the workers, "Don't forget, you're still our little coffee monkeys. When we say dance, you dance."