Around 3,500 Starbucks employees who are part of a union have initiated a strike in protest of what they claim is Starbucks’ decision to remove Pride decorations from its stores. This rolling nationwide strike is taking place at 150 locations across the country. Starbucks has refuted these allegations made by Starbucks Workers United, stating that the company did not ban in-store Pride decorations during Pride Month. However, Starbucks Workers United union previously asserted that the company removed Pride Month decorations and flags from various stores, and some workers confirmed this through social media posts.
In response to the strike, a Starbucks spokesperson informed The Post that the company has experienced “limited” impact on its stores, with less than 10 locations being affected. The company spokesperson also accused Workers United of spreading false information about their benefits, policies, and negotiation efforts. They described this as a tactic to divide the partners and divert attention from Workers United’s failure to engage in bargaining for over 200 stores. While acknowledging potential inconvenience for customers at these locations, Starbucks encourages them to find alternative open stores using the online store locator or the Starbucks mobile app.
Starbucks Workers United announced on Twitter that the nationwide strike is being led by the company’s Seattle Roastery, situated just nine blocks away from Starbucks’ original Pike Place Market store. The tweet stated, “STRIKE WITH PRIDE! Seattle Roastery leads nationwide Starbucks strike over Starbucks’ hypocritical treatment of LGBTQIA+ workers. Over 150+ stores and 3,500 workers will be on strike over the course of the next week.”
Last week, Starbucks released a statement reiterating its support for the LGBTQIA+ community, emphasizing that there have been no changes to any policies regarding Pride Month celebrations. Andrew Trull, a company spokesperson, confirmed that Starbucks continues to encourage store leaders to participate in community celebrations, including those related to US Pride Month in June. The company expressed concern regarding the spread of false information that undermines its inclusive store environments, company culture, and the benefits provided to its partners.
The company responded to allegations that employees at an Oklahoma location were instructed to remove rainbow items. According to the union, baristas were informed that this decision was related to “safety issues” following recent attacks on Target. Starbucks denied claims that it removed Pride decorations from its stores.
The impact of the strike on Starbucks stores has been relatively limited, with less than 10 locations affected, according to a company spokesperson.
In recent years, corporate America has become more sensitive to consumer reactions and feedback regarding LGBTQ-related marketing. This sensitivity has been particularly evident following controversies surrounding Pride merchandise sold by big-box retailer Target, which received threats in response.
Starbucks, which operates approximately 9,000 company-owned stores in the US, has seen a significant number of employees from over 300 stores vote to unionize since late 2021, demanding improved remuneration and benefits. Additionally, the company is currently facing numerous complaints accusing it of illegal labor practices, such as terminating employees who support unions and closing stores during labor campaigns.
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