Starbucks Workers Go on Strike to Protest New Dress Code

More than 1,000 Starbucks baristas from 75 locations in the U.S. have initiated a strike on Sunday in response to a new dress code implemented by the company, a union representing the coffee giant’s employees reported on Wednesday. As of Monday, the company has simplified its dress code to highlight its signature green apron. According to the coffee chain’s updated policy, baristas can wear any black shirt, whether short- or long-sleeved, collared or button-up, paired with khaki, black or blue denim pants. Starbucks previously said it would provide two branded T-shirts for staff members at no cost. The new dress code affects employees at company-operated and licensed stores in the U.S. and Canada. In April, Starbucks Workers United sent a letter to the Seattle-based coffee maker as “a formal request that no change to the current dress code be implemented at Union-represented stores until the parties conclude bargaining.”  On Wednesday, Starbucks said that the strike was affecting its 10,000 company-operated stores in the U.S. to a limited extent. Phil Gee, a Starbucks spokesperson said, “Thousands of Starbucks partners (employees) came to work today ready to serve their customers and communities. The biggest update to our dress code is simple: wear a black shirt

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