Starbucks Faces Strike as Union Protests Pride Displays

In the upcoming week, workers at 150 Starbucks locations have announced plans to strike due to a dispute over decor that supports LGBTQ+ causes. Despite the company’s denial of banning such displays, Starbucks Workers United accuses them of spreading misinformation during labor talks. According to the AP, the union tweeted on Friday that approximately 3,500 workers will participate in the strike, starting with the flagship location in Seattle. Starbucks has been a target for union organization for some time, with 358 stores petitioning the National Labor Relations Board for union elections. Last year, a Starbucks in Buffalo, New York, became the first to successfully unionize.

However, recent months have seen a slowdown in the union’s efforts due to resistance from some workers. On Friday, Starbucks responded to Workers United’s allegations by stating that misinformation regarding its support for LGBTQ+ causes is being used as a negotiation tactic. In a written statement, Starbucks said, “Workers United continues to spread false information about our benefits, policies, and negotiation efforts—a tactic used to seemingly divide our partners and deflect from their failure to respond to bargaining sessions for more than 200 stores.” The company also reaffirmed its unwavering support for LGBTQ+ causes and emphasized that no policy changes have occurred.

Workers United claims that store managers across the country have limited or removed displays during the month-long celebration of LGBTQ+ people. The union states that some managers have cited safety concerns, pointing to recent incidents at Target where angry customers tipped over merchandise and confronted workers. Starbucks, however, stated that recent anti-LGBTQ+ social media campaigns in certain areas have not affected its stance.

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