Unionized Starbucks baristas in Madison walked out of the 1 E Main Street location on May 17 to protest the company’s new dress code policies and what they say is a continued failure to finalize union contracts.
“Our store is proud to join our fellow union baristas who have bravely walked out this week to reject Starbucks’ failure to bargain with us over dress code changes or finalize fair contracts that include the staffing, hours, and protections we need to do our jobs,” barista Tasha Schilling said in a press release issued by Starbucks Workers United’s Madison Action Group.
Starbucks announced the updated dress code in April, requiring baristas to wear “any solid black short-and long-sleeved crewneck, collared or button-up shirts and any shade of khaki, black or blue denim bottoms” to accentuate the company’s signature green apron. Some employees allege the new rules stifle their personal freedom of expression.
Barista Tasha Schilling said in a press release issued by Starbucks Workers United’s Madison Action group that “it seems like they’re trying to get rid of queer baristas who are organizing” through dress code changes.
Starbucks Workers United argued on social media that understaffing, lack of access to benefits, low wages and discrimination were more pressing issues than a dress code change.
In a later press release acquired by The Daily Cardinal via email, the union said stores were thrown into disarray after the rollout. Starbucks had not provided the promised compliant t-shirts, and previously acceptable shoes were suddenly deemed inappropriate.
Starbucks Workers United filed an unfair labor practices complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), accusing Starbucks of undermining collective bargaining. The complaint stated the updated dress code “materially differed from both the status quo and what the parties had tentatively agreed to at the bargaining table.”
The union said its demands, including increased staffing, guaranteed hours and adequate support baristas, are essential to store operations.
“The punitive enforcement measures have worsened the longstanding understaffing issues plaguing stores, as baristas are forced to obtain shoes, pants and other clothing rather than focus on serving their customers,” Starbucks Workers United said.
Starbucks has a long history of resisting union efforts. The Economic Policy Institute reports the company has previously attempted to shut down stores with unionization efforts and retaliated against unionized workers to deter organization.
Efforts to unionize Starbucks locations gained momentum nationwide in 2021 when a location in Buffalo, NY started Starbucks Workers United as part of a wider post-pandemic trend of labor union membership rising. The Capitol Square café in Madison became the nation’s third unionized location, and the State Street location quickly followed suit.
Starbucks announced they would be bargaining with Starbucks Workers United for a path forward for unionized workers in February 2024, but workers say the company has not followed through on that promise.
Madison baristas and union organizers were not available for further comment.
