Starbucks Baristas Strike Over New Dress Code Policy

Starbucks workers across the U.S. and Canada launched a strike on May 14, 2025, protesting a new company dress code policy. The policy requires baristas to wear solid black shirts under their green aprons and specific denim pants, a change from the previous allowance of various dark-colored and patterned shirts. One striking barista stated, "This new policy is just another example of Starbucks not listening to its workers." Starbucks responded by saying the strike's impact on its 10,000 company-run stores is limited. The strike underscores the ongoing tension between Starbucks and its employees regarding working conditions and company policies. The incident highlights the growing concerns about employee treatment and corporate responses to declining sales within the broader context of the current economic climate.