Starbucks Employees Protest New Dress Code for Baristas
More than 1,000 Starbucks employees in the U.S. went on strike after the company introduced a new dress code for its baristas across 75 stores.
A dress code policy is a set of rules or guidelines that an organization or company creates to tell employees what they are expected to wear at work. The goal is to make sure everyone looks professional, safe, or fits the image the company wants to present.
Last Monday, May 12, 2025, Starbucks implemented an updated dress code policy, but the new rule sparked protests from workers who feel left out of the decision-making process.
Under the new guidelines, baristas are required to wear a black shirt, along with khaki, black, or navy pants, paired with the familiar green apron. This is a shift from the previous policy, which allowed workers to express more personality through dark-colored or patterned shirts.
Starbucks explained that the change is part of its “Back to Starbucks” mission. The goal is to refresh the atmosphere in its cafes, create a more welcoming space, and boost overall sales.
According to the company, the simpler outfit helps highlight the green apron and adds a sense of consistency and familiarity for customers. However, not everyone is on board with the change.
Starbucks Workers United, a labor group representing many of the company’s employees, argued that the new dress code should have been discussed and agreed upon through collective bargaining.
The firm believe that decisions affecting workers’ day-to-day lives, especially those involving personal appearance and comfort, should involve their input.
Many employees also expressed concern that the new policy limits their ability to express themselves and feels unnecessary, especially at a time when other workplace issues need more urgent attention.
As the strike continues, the disagreement over the dress code highlights ongoing tensions between Starbucks management and its growing number of unionized workers.
In another post, a content creator shares the experience of an indigenous student’s first time at Starbucks
The social media users expressed their reactions to the issue:
