Thousands of Starbucks baristas staged walkouts this week to protest a newly enforced dress code policy that they say was implemented without proper negotiation. Workers argue the policy has led to lost hours and unfair discipline, further straining stores already struggling with understaffing. The union representing baristas says the company is ignoring more urgent issues like pay, scheduling, and working conditions. Starbucks maintains that the new guidelines are minimal and claims most stores continue operating normally, but workers insist the dispute reflects a deeper lack of support from corporate leadership.
See "Why are Starbucks baristas on strike? Here's what they want customers to know", Tanasia Kenney, MSN, May 22, 2025