Starbucks employees at over 150 locations have initiated a strike that will last for a week. The employees claim that workers at numerous U.S. stores were either restricted or prohibited from displaying Pride decorations, allegations that Starbucks denies. The walkout, led by Starbucks Workers United, began at the flagship store in Seattle and will continue at other locations throughout the week. Less than 2 percent of company-operated stores in the United States will be affected. In response to the strike, Starbucks spokeswoman Rachel Wall accused the union of spreading false information in an email statement to The Washington Post, claiming that the strike is an attempt to divide employees. This strike is the latest instance in an ongoing culture war, as many companies face scrutiny over their commitment to polarizing social issues. The union accused local Starbucks leaders and store managers of preventing employees from putting up Pride flags and other LGBTQ+ rights decorations. The union provided statements from workers who claimed to have been restricted in decorating, as well as texts and a memo referencing guidance from regional managers. However, these communications could not be independently verified. Starbucks denies that these actions were a result of a “corporate top-down national policy.” Nevertheless, the union believes that corporate was likely aware of the situation due to the widespread instances of restricted decorations. Starbucks denies the allegations, citing its policies that support LGBTQ+ workers, such as “gender transition guidelines” and health benefits covering gender reassignment surgery. The company claims to empower “partner celebrations and recognition of a variety of heritage months.” The union views the restrictions on decorations as contrary to Starbucks’ values and worries about the company’s commitment to protect human rights. While employees at one location did not experience trouble with decorations, they plan to strike in solidarity with other stores that faced restrictions. Starbucks has faced accusations of retaliatory practices against employees, including limiting benefits and firing a barista who led a union drive at her store. Starbucks’ attempt to unionize has sparked a battle with the company, and the founder, Howard Schultz, even testified about alleged union busting before Congress in March. Starbucks denies any involvement in decisions to discipline union organizers or close unionized stores. A federal administrative law judge recently found Starbucks in violation of federal labor laws due to efforts to halt union campaigns. As a globally recognized brand, Starbucks employs 250,000 people in the United States and 450,000 worldwide. Despite its popularity, the company’s shares fell 2.5 percent on Friday, resulting in a market value of nearly $116 billion. In recent months, various brands, including Target and Anheuser-Busch, have faced backlash over their involvement in polarizing social issues. This tension heightened in April when Anheuser-Busch received criticism and boycotts over its Bud Light partnership with transgender actress Dylan Mulvaney. Retailers like Kohl’s, Walmart, and PetSmart have also faced backlash from the far right for offering items that support equal rights and acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals. Target faced safety concerns and removed certain LGBTQ+ merchandise and promotional materials from stores at the end of May. Since then, stores in eight states have received bomb threats, although no explosives have been found. Some of these threats claim to be in response to the removal of Pride merchandise, but law enforcement has not confirmed this.
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