Starbucks: Over 1,000 employees strike over new dress code policy

Starbucks is facing a strike involving over 1,000 employees due to a new Dress Code Policy that has been in effect since last Monday. The branch imposed new restrictions on the employees' clothing worn under the apron.

The dress code requires that people working in the U.S. and Canada must wear a dark shirt and black, denim blue, or khaki pants. This measure aims to highlight the brand's iconic green apron.

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Starbucks Workers United demands negotiation

The union, which represents 570 of the over 10,000 Starbucks stores in the U.S., states that employees have abandoned 50 locations since Sunday. According to them, the new policy "passes the cost on the baristas, who are struggling to move forward, forcing them to buy new clothes or risk being sanctioned."

The previous policy allowed employees to wear more clothing options, giving them greater freedom and flexibility while working. This policy was agreed upon in a meeting between the union and Starbucks.

Starbucks' response: "We can give you a shirt."

The coffee giant was quick to respond to the strike. In a statement to Bloomberg, Starbucks affirms that there are no issues in the stores and operations are currently normal.

"A black shirt, either yours or one we provide," Starbucks confirmed in a public statement. "It would be more productive if the union put the same effort into returning to the negotiation table rather than striking over dark shirts," the statement added.

Starbucks and the union have been negotiating a contract for the past few years. Both parties have been working to reach a deal, but the latest version was rejected last April, according to Reuters.

The union said that this week they will file a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging that Starbucks did not negotiate the policy before it came into effect.