Sipping on Strife: Starbucks' New Dress Code Stirs Employees' Ire
Starbucks imposes stricter attire guidelines upsetting staff members
Starbucks has stirred up trouble among its employees with a fresh clothing diktat. Since Monday, tighter wardrobe rules have been enforced in Starbucks-owned and licensed stores across the US and Canada. Baristas must now don black shirts—other hues like gray, brown, or white are now taboo. Pants can only be khaki, black, or blue. The iconic green apron with the Starbucks logo stays mandatory and forms the cornerstone of the attire. The previous guidelines allowed for a broader range of dark colors and patterned shirts.
The new dress code's introduction has led to heated protests: Over 1,000 Starbucks baristas in 75 stores in the US have been on strike since Sunday, as per Starbucks Workers United, which represents around 570 of the over 10,000 company-owned stores in the US. The union views the changes skeptically and argues that a tentative agreement on the dress code already existed, and the new guidelines contradict the ongoing collective bargaining negotiations.
"A Whiff of Familiarity"
Many baristas grumble about being obliged to buy new garments, especially with low wages and job insecurity lurking. Employees also criticize that clothing with the company logo that is no longer allowed to be worn is still being sold on the internal website. "Customers couldn't care less about the colors of our clothes if they have to wait 30 minutes for a latte," a disgruntled Starbucks employee told the AP news agency.
Starbucks has declared that after the change, each employee will receive two free black t-shirts complimentary. The new policy aims to emphasize the green aprons and create a consistent, inviting atmosphere across stores. The simplified wardrobe guidelines are designed to "give customers a whiff of familiarity, regardless of the store they visit in North America," the company stated.
On Wednesday, Starbucks announced that the strikes had only a minimal impact on operations. According to the company, over 99 percent of its US stores continue to operate and serve customers. Starbucks also noted that, as per their figures, less than one percent of Starbucks employees participated in the work stoppages, and some stores were shuttered for less than an hour.
Sales Doldrums at Starbucks
Starbucks' sales have been on a downward slope, both domestically and abroad. In the US, its most vital market, comparable store sales have plummeted for the fifth consecutive quarter. Many customers find Starbucks prices prohibitively expensive, and increasing numbers are reluctant to shell out $6 or more for a cup of joe, leading to a decrease in occasional clients, particularly during peak morning hours. This has resulted in long wait times and a substantial number of mobile orders being abandoned.
Sources:
- ntv.de
- sba
- The new employment policy at Starbucks, which includes a stricter dress code, has sparked controversy among employees, leading to protests by over 1,000 baristas.
- The industry of retail, particularly coffee shops like Starbucks, is facing challenges due to financial constraints, with many customers finding their prices prohibitive.
- The implementation of a uniform dress code in the fashion-and-beauty industry, such as the one at Starbucks, raises questions about the balance between business and lifestyle, especially when it comes to employee costs.
- Starbucks' new policy, aimed at creating consistency across stores, reflects a focus on politics, as the company seeks to maintain control over its brand image and operations.
- In the midst of general-news headlines about the ongoing strike by Starbucks employees, concerns about home-and-garden matters, such as home decor and renovation, may seem less pressing, but are still essential to many individuals and families.
