Workers at Starbucks across three states have taken legal actions against the coffee chain, claiming it acted unlawfully when it updated its dress code without reimbursing employees for new clothing purchases.
The union representing these workers has submitted class action lawsuits in Illinois and Colorado, alongside a complaint to the California Workforce Development Agency. If no penalties are pursued by the authorities in California, a class action could follow there as well, based on the ongoing complaint.
Starbucks has not made specific comments regarding the lawsuits but mentioned plans to simplify its dress code to create a more uniform experience for customers. The company added that employees, referred to as “partners,” would receive two free shirts to help with the transition.
The revised dress code took effect on May 12 and requires that all North American employees wear solid black shirts underneath a green apron. The shirts can be collared or uncollared, but must adequately cover the midsection and underarms.
In terms of bottoms, employees can opt for khaki, black, or blue denim, all with a length of at least four inches above the knee, while shoes must be dark and waterproof in various colors. Additionally, the guidelines specify that socks must be “suppressed,” according to the company’s standards.
Facial tattoos and multiple piercings are now prohibited, along with certain types of makeup. Starbucks indicated that the dress code changes aim to emphasize the green aprons worn by staff and enhance customer interaction as the company looks to create a more inviting atmosphere.
Previously, Starbucks maintained a fairly lenient dress code, even allowing patterned shirts in many colors back in 2016, which encouraged more personal expression. However, the enforcement was considered inconsistent, as highlighted in the Colorado lawsuit. Under the new policy, employees who fail to comply with the dress code are barred from starting their shifts.
Brooke Allen, a full-time student employed at Starbucks in Davis, California, reported that she had to find compliant shoes after being told her Crocs weren’t acceptable. She spent $60.09 on new footwear and an additional $86.95 on work clothes, stating, “I think it’s very deaf on the part of the company to expect employees to completely redesign their wardrobes without compensation. Many of us are already living paycheck to paycheck.” She also lamented the loss of the earlier dress code, saying, “It’s sad that everyone is wearing black.”
The lawsuits allege violations of state laws mandating that employers reimburse employees for expenses that primarily benefit the employer. Colorado law further prohibits businesses from imposing costs on workers without their written consent. The plaintiffs are seeking damages on behalf of all Starbucks employees in these states, regardless of whether they are in unionized stores.
Many plaintiffs, like Allen, reported that they had asked for support regarding the clothing purchases but received no assistance. For example, Gilbert Cruz, an employee in Aurora, Illinois, sought just $10 to cover the cost of nose piercings but was denied.
This worker-led initiative marks a strategic pivot in efforts to unionize Starbucks stores. Starbucks Workers United, the labor group behind the organization of 640 out of 10,000 US Starbucks locations, has filed numerous unfair labor practice complaints against the company. The union previously addressed the dress code issue in April, although it is not directly involved in the current lawsuits.
However, the ability of the labor commission to hear these lawsuits has diminished under the Trump administration, and upcoming changes may further limit its efficacy.
