New uniform? No way. Starbucks employees in three states have filed lawsuits against the coffee chain over a new dress code they say forced them to buy new clothes without reimbursement.
Class-action lawsuits were filed by employees in state courts in Illinois and Colorado, while a complaint was also submitted to California’s Labor and Workforce Development Agency. If the complaint does not lead to penalties against Starbucks, employees plan to file a class-action lawsuit there as well, according to the Associated Press.
The employees are backed by Starbucks Workers United, the union that represents Starbucks workers and has been clashing with the company for years over issues like hours, pay, staffing, and harassment. Although the union is not directly involved in the current lawsuits, it filed a charge over the dress code when it was first announced in April.
The new dress code requires employees to wear only neutral solid colors, such as black, navy, khaki, and gray, under their green aprons. Pants can’t have rips or frays, and employees are limited to one facial piercing and no “theatrical makeup.” Starbucks said the change was intended to “allow our iconic green apron to shine.”
This marks a sharp shift from Starbucks’ previous policy, which emphasized personal expression and freedom in employee attire. Many workers are unhappy with the change, and some stores even staged walkouts, calling the dress code the last straw in a series of new policies they say hinder their ability to do their jobs effectively.
These lawsuits follow changes to Starbucks’ training manuals, which now include step-by-step instructions on how employees should interact with customers. Workers argue that these strict guidelines make them appear robotic, undermine the friendly atmosphere Starbucks claims to promote, and in some cases have put them in danger.
In an emailed statement, a Starbucks representative said the company’s “Back to Starbucks” initiative is improving experiences for both customers and partners.
“Retail partner turnover is at record lows and about half the industry average,” the statement said. “More partners are getting the shifts they want. And more partners than ever recommend Starbucks as a great place to work.”
The representative added that the simplified dress code, introduced earlier this year, delivers a more consistent coffeehouse experience and provides partners with clearer guidance. As part of the change, Starbucks provided two shirts to employees at no cost.
The company said its $500 million Green Apron Service investment means “bigger rosters, more partners working busy shifts, and new technology designed to make their lives easier.”
“We’re committed to continuing to be the best job in retail,” the statement continued. “Hourly partners earn an average of $30/hour in pay and benefits, including free college, comprehensive healthcare, and up to 18 weeks of paid family leave for part-time work.”
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