We live in an era where workers are well aware of unnecessary and harmful decisions large companies sometimes make. Now, more than ever, we’re willing to scrutinize them for it. Several union workers in Washington joined forces to push against an unpopular decision Starbucks made concerning dress code. These workers understand exactly what it means to stick together and focus on the reality of the workplace. They also understand there are bigger issues than simply appearing a certain way on the job.
A clip went viral on X showing union workers confronting management about new changes to their dress code. It comes with the caption, “Starbucks workers across the country are facing understaffing, inaccessible benefits, discrimination, and low wages.” Workers went on to communicate about their anger on the subject, “Instead of fixing these issues, Starbucks decided to introduce an unpopular, more conservative dress code.”
The problem lies in the fact that major restaurant chains like Starbucks are known for offering few benefits, if any. Then there are shorter on-the-job hours, among other problems. And yet they will require a uniform at a job where expressing oneself should be the norm. One worker added, “I don’t understand how the dress code is in good faith of letting us express ourselves,” while another stated, “We’re just expected to lay down and accept it.”
Starbucks’ reasoning for the dress code changes? They’re trying to focus on a “more consistent coffeehouse experience” that helps them further develop their own “brand.” They have said that the uniform consists of a “more defined color palette” and includes “any solid black short and long-sleeved crew neck, collared, or button-up shirts and any shade of khaki, black or blue denim bottoms.” They also plan to provide their restaurants with two new T-shirts for workers.
As expected, the Internet is divided on the issue. Though one user commented on the video, “I don’t want to buy coffee from people that can’t dress to express,” another stated, “No one is paying these people to express themselves.” Union organizers have made several fantastic points, however. One worker went on to say, “It’s regressive. They already tried to get rid of pride flags in 2022. This is freedom being taken away.”
As Starbucks itself faces many controversies, such as its new policy requiring employees to write personalized notes to customers and poor worker retention issues, it makes you wonder how uniforms can possibly be its top priority at this point in time. The company seemingly has bigger fish to fry to stay relevant and maintain employees who want to commit their time to this chain.
