Starbucks has sparked controversy among its Gen Z employees with a recent update to its dress code that seeks to standardize how employees appear. Reports indicate that this change has led to significant backlash.
A video making the rounds on social media features unionized Starbucks workers in Seattle voicing their discontent over the new policies that restrict employee attire. One barista, sporting a bandana and a party hat, expressed confusion about the rationale behind the dress code, stating, “I don’t know how,” and claimed that the company is not genuinely allowing them to express themselves. The crowd responded with applause, while another individual shouted, “We are expected to lie down and accept it.”
The protest is in response to the company’s announcement that takes effect on May 12th, requiring all employees to adopt a more uniform appearance. Specifically, this entails black tops—either crew necks, button-ups, or collared shirts—and bottoms in khaki, black, or blue denim. Starbucks argues that the aim is to “make our iconic green apron shine” and enhance the consistency of the customer experience.
Critics online have ridiculed the employees’ response, with posts suggesting that no one is employed to “express themselves” and that workers should simply focus on serving customers. Others pointed out that the company is cleaning up its image amid declining sales, which have reportedly dropped by over 14% across the board, indicating that changes are necessary for profitability.
Some voices in the conversation raised concerns about the financial burden of purchasing new clothes to comply with the stricter guidelines, particularly for LGBTQ+ employees who rely on attire for gender expression. Starbucks Workers United, a union representing over 570 of Starbucks’ 10,000 corporate-owned stores, criticized the policy changes as discriminatory and called for the focus to be redirected toward resolving staffing and sales issues.
In an attempt to address employee concerns, Starbucks has offered to provide two brands of T-shirts for free. However, this gesture seems to have done little to soothe the unrest among the more outspoken staff members.
