Hello, and welcome to Coffee Talk. Today, we explore why Starbucks baristas are picketing over a new dress code. Starbucks rolled out a simplified uniform: black tops, khaki or denim bottoms, under the green apron. But members of Starbucks Workers United call the policy “restrictive” and “bad faith bargaining,” arguing it was imposed without worker input. Thousands of baristas walked out, complaining that managers send them home over minor details—like mesh fabric in waterproof shoes or the number of visible piercings. A barista asked, “Why doesn’t Starbucks do the right thing and provide a stipend for these newly required items?” Critics say the new code distracts from real concerns: low wages, irregular hours, and understaffing. Jasmine Leli, a Buffalo barista and union delegate, notes, “Customers care more about the wait time for their latte than the shirt their barista is wearing.” Until contract talks conclude, expect to see more protests in your favorite coffee shop.
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