Over 150 Starbucks stores to strike due to Pride decor, says union.

Starbucks Workers Strike Over Pride Month Decor

Starbucks workers at more than 150 locations are taking a stand and going on strike. The Starbucks Workers United union has accused the company of not allowing Pride month decorations in cafes, sparking outrage among employees.

The union, Starbucks Workers United, has announced that over 150 stores, employing close to 3,500 workers, have pledged to strike in the coming week. Additionally, more than two dozen stores are currently voting on strike authorizations, potentially bringing the total number of striking stores to nearly 200.

“STRIKE WITH PRIDE! Seattle Roastery leads nationwide Starbucks strike over Starbucks’ hypocritical treatment of LGBTQIA+ workers,” the union tweeted on Friday.

STRIKE WITH PRIDE! Seattle Roastery leads nationwide Starbucks strike over Starbucks’ hypocritical treatment of LGBTQIA+ workers. Over 150+ stores and 3,500 workers will be on strike over the course of the next week.

— Starbucks Workers United (@SBWorkersUnited) June 23, 2023

Last week, the union claimed that Starbucks had restricted Pride month decorations in some stores, suggesting that the company had given in to pressure from conservatives to downplay Pride Month. Starbucks, however, denied these allegations, stating that there had been no change in their policy regarding store decor this year. They pointed out that some stores had even shared their Pride decorations on social media.

“We unwaveringly support the LGBTQIA2+ community. There has been no change to any policy on this matter and we continue to encourage our store leaders to celebrate with their communities, including for US Pride month in June,” a Starbucks spokesperson said. “We’re deeply concerned by false information that is being spread.”

Despite Starbucks’ denial, the union responded by claiming that internal documents revealed that regional Starbucks leaders in more conservative areas of the country had decided to cancel Pride celebrations this year.

The union took to Twitter to share a long list of demands that addressed both LGBT issues and workers’ concerns. One of the demands is for “consistent hours,” which would help workers access healthcare, including gender-affirming care.

The union is also demanding gender-neutral bathrooms, a grievance procedure, protection from discrimination and sexual harassment, an end to intimidation tactics like withholding credit card tipping, and “a real voice at work.”

“Starbucks tokenizes queer & trans workers and uses us for positive PR & profit, but they don’t want to listen to us. Enough of the performative progressivism – we demand Starbucks come to the table to bargain a contract that legally GUARANTEES our rights,” the union tweeted.

While Starbucks has been known for its progressive policies towards its workers, such as offering full health benefits to same-sex couples and covering gender surgeries for trans-identifying individuals, the company has not been supportive of its workers unionizing.

“I don’t think a union has a place in Starbucks,” former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said last year. He added that while employees have the right to file for unionization, the company has the right to express a different vision.

In recent months, major companies like Bud Light and Target have faced backlash and experienced a decline in stock value due to their aggressive LGBT marketing. Target, for example, pulled some LGBT-themed children’s clothing after facing customer backlash.

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