Next week, over 150 Starbucks stores employing approximately 3,500 workers are planning to go on strike after a union representing the baristas accused the company of instructing them to remove Pride decorations.
Earlier this month, the Starbucks Workers United union criticized the coffee giant for allegedly failing to provide significant support to the LGBTQ+ community, claiming that stores were “banned” from displaying rainbow flags and decorations in the middle of Pride Month.
Starbucks firmly denied these allegations and expressed frustration with the dissemination of “false information.”
Despite Starbucks’ denial, the union, which represents more than 41,000 workers across over 325 stores, announced on Friday that employees nationwide will strike to protest what they perceive as hypocritical treatment of LGBTQIA+ workers.
The Starbucks Workers United union used Twitter to announce the strike, which will commence at the company’s Seattle Roastery, located near Starbucks’ original store in Pike Place Market. The union stated that over 150 stores and 3,500 workers will participate in the strike throughout the following week. Additional stores are voting on whether to join, potentially raising the number to nearly 200 by the end of the week.
In response to the strike, a Starbucks spokesperson stated that Workers United was spreading false information about their benefits, policies, and negotiation efforts, attempting to divide employees and deflect attention from their failure to respond to bargaining sessions for over 200 stores.
The union claimed that employees in at least 22 states were prohibited from decorating for Pride Month, citing accounts from employees on social media. It further alleged that Starbucks implemented a policy change and filed an unfair labor practice charge against the company.
Starbucks refuted these claims, emphasizing that there had been no policy change and that store leaders were encouraged to celebrate Pride Month with their communities. The company expressed deep concern about the spread of false information and reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive store environments, company culture, and partner benefits.
Workers United stood by their accusations, asserting that Starbucks prevented workers from decorating for Pride Month and removed Pride flags nationwide. They claimed that this contradicted previous years when unionized stores could display Pride decorations without issue. The union criticized Starbucks for allegedly bowing to pressure and accused the brand of conducting an anti-union campaign against workers while silencing queer voices.
Starbucks has cultivated a reputation for inclusivity in recent years, implementing gender-neutral signage in restrooms and allowing customers to use facilities based on their gender identity.
Not all striking Starbucks stores experienced problems with Pride decorations. For instance, a barista in San Antonio, Texas, Parker Davis, explained that many LGBTQ+ partners at his store felt that Starbucks’ actions in limiting or removing Pride decorations contradicted the company’s previous actions. Davis expressed uncertainty about whether the store would be able to operate during the strikes.
Following the announcement of the strikes, Starbucks’ stock experienced a two percent decline to $99.02 in premarket trading. The coffee giant, which operates approximately 9,000 U.S. company-owned locations, has seen employees at over 300 stores vote to unionize since late 2021, demanding improved pay and benefits.