Thousands of Starbucks (SBUX) workers in the United States are preparing to go on strike over the next week, following allegations that the company prohibited Pride Month decorations at the coffeehouse cafes. The Starbucks Workers United union announced the walkouts, which began at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery on Capitol Hill and will continue at over 150 stores across the country. The strike coincides with Pride Month celebrations across the United States, with Pride Parades scheduled in major cities such as New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Chicago.
In a social media post, the union called for a “STRIKE WITH PRIDE!” and accused Starbucks of hypocritical treatment of LGBTQIA+ workers. The strikes also seek to secure fair labor contracts for improved pay and benefits. Currently, Starbucks has not reached any collective bargaining agreements at its newly unionized cafes.
Managers at several Starbucks barista locations reportedly prevented employees from displaying Pride Month flags and decorations or removed them entirely. Starbucks denied the claims, stating that there had been no policy changes regarding Pride decorations. The company emphasized that store managers were still encouraged to celebrate Pride Month while adhering to safety guidelines.
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Starbucks’ treatment of its LGBTQ+ workforce has faced criticism, leading to disagreements with employees. Workers alleged that Starbucks managers instructed them to remove LGBTQ+ decorations, while the union claimed that the company’s sponsorship of a Seattle Pride publication resulted in a vetoed advertisement by Starbucks Workers United.
As the walkouts commenced, Starbucks reported minimal impact on business, with fewer than 10 stores currently affected. The company emphasized that local store leaders have the authority to determine the appearance of their stores.
This month has witnessed controversies surrounding companies and their support for LGBTQ+ rights. Retail giant Target pulled Pride merchandise due to confrontations between customers and workers, while Anheuser-Busch InBev faced declining sales of Bud Light following marketing efforts targeting the transgender community.
Starbucks’ actions have drawn attention from shareholders, with New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli urging the company, along with over 50 others, to explain their management of corporate risks and support for LGBTQ+ equality.
The Starbucks Workers United union has engaged in ongoing disputes with Starbucks, filing numerous complaints with the National Labor Relations Board regarding alleged illegal practices. Despite challenges, more than 300 US stores have voted to unionize since late 2021.
The coffeehouse chain, operating approximately 9,000 company-owned locations in the US, saw its shares decline by over 2.5% in response to the strike announcement.
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