Starbucks is facing allegations from some of its employees in the US who claim that the company has banned LGBTQ Pride decorations, despite ongoing efforts to prevent unionization. However, Starbucks denies these claims and asserts that its policy regarding Pride Month remains unchanged.
The labor group Starbucks Workers United, which is leading the unionization efforts, tweeted that Starbucks has prohibited Pride decorations for the first time during Pride Month. They stated that this tradition of displaying Pride decorations in stores has been ongoing.
The group further claimed that, even in stores where the company is supposedly unable to make unilateral changes without bargaining, Starbucks removed Pride decorations and flags. This action contradicts the company’s anti-union rhetoric.
Starbucks, however, asserts that there have been no changes to its policies and that it continues to fully support the LGBTQ community. The company expressed deep concern over the spread of false information regarding its commitment to inclusion and the benefits it provides to its partners.
The company’s statement emphasizes that Starbucks has a long history of recognizing and celebrating diversity among its partners and customers, including year-round support for the LGBTQIA2+ community. The statement also highlights how the company empowers its employees to show support for various heritage months.
On its website, Starbucks provides a timeline of its inclusion of the LGBTQ community, starting in 1988 when the company began offering comprehensive health benefits, including coverage for same-sex domestic partnerships.
Starbucks Workers United asserts that several employees have reported the ban on Pride decorations. The group is calling on Starbucks to advocate for the LGBTQ community and negotiate union contracts that secure their benefits, freedom of expression, and accountability measures for management.
Starbucks and the labor union have been at odds on multiple issues. Since October 2022, Starbucks has filed over 100 Unfair Labor Practice charges against the union, accusing them of failing to appoint representatives for bargaining sessions and negotiating in bad faith. Conversely, the National Labor Relations Board has accused Starbucks of using illegal tactics against the union, and a judge ruled that the company violated labor laws numerous times during a unionization campaign in Buffalo, New York.
Supporting Pride Month and the LGBTQ community has become a target of protests for companies. Target recently decided to remove some Pride merchandise from their stores due to employee threats. Bud Light faced backlash after partnering with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, which resulted in a decline in beer sales.
Recently, Starbucks launched a collaboration with artist Tim Singleton, who designed colorful reusable cups as part of the company’s Artist Collaboration Series. The cups, referred to as this year’s Pride Collection, incorporate elements of pop culture, queer culture, and nostalgia with vibrant visuals and rainbow-bright colors.
While June is dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ pride, the community is facing increased threats and political backlash from conservative factions. This year alone, over 520 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced at the state level, with a record-breaking 74 such laws enacted, according to the Human Rights Campaign.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
