Starbucks Updates Dress Code for Baristas Amid Worker Concerns

Starbucks has announced a revised dress code for its baristas, set to take effect on May 12. Under the new guidelines, employees will be required to wear solid black shirts paired with khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms. Both short- and long-sleeved options are permitted, and shirts can either have collars or be collarless. As part of this update, each employee will receive two complimentary T-shirts.

The company stated that this dress code aims to enhance the visibility of the iconic green aprons worn by its staff, thereby fostering a sense of familiarity among customers. Starbucks emphasized that the updated dress code is part of an initiative to create a warmer and more inviting atmosphere within its stores. The company noted, "By updating our dress code, we can deliver a more consistent coffeehouse experience that will also bring simpler and clearer guidance to our partners, which means they can focus on what matters most: crafting great beverages and fostering connections with customers."

However, the decision has been met with resistance from some employees. Starbucks Workers United, a union representing workers at over 550 of Starbucks' company-owned stores, voiced its discontent regarding the new policy. The union claims that it had already negotiated a preliminary dress code agreement during discussions with management and opposes any changes until these negotiations are finalized.

Jasmine Leli, a barista and union bargaining delegate, highlighted that the company should prioritize operational improvements rather than enforcing a restrictive dress code. She stated that the focus should be on addressing critical issues such as adequate staffing and ensuring employees receive a guaranteed number of working hours.

"Instead of tackling the most pressing challenges facing baristas, Starbucks is concentrating on a limiting dress code that does not enhance operational efficiency," Leli remarked. "Additionally, this new requirement places a financial burden on baristas who are already struggling with low wages and irregular hours."

This change comes nearly ten years after Starbucks relaxed its dress code to allow greater self-expression among its employees. In 2016, the company expanded the color options for shirts, allowing hues such as gray, navy, dark denim, and brown in addition to the previously permitted black or white. The dress code further evolved in 2019 to allow one facial piercing, provided it did not exceed the size of a dime. The latest update continues to allow one facial piercing.