On Monday, American coffee giant Starbucks announced a new dress code for its baristas across all its outlets in North America. This move comes as part of CEO Brian Niccol’s ‘Back to Starbucks’ mission to revitalise its sales. The company has seen a slump in sales as patrons have taken to their competitors for budget-friendly coffees served quickly. To add to the company’s woes, Starbucks baristas have slammed the management for the new dress code policy. Let’s spill the coffee.
Starbucks Changes Dress Code Policy Across North American Stores
On Monday, Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol announced a new dress code for baristas in North American outlets, as per a report by CBS News. To overhaul the coffee giant’s image, this policy was put into place, which will go into effect from May 12 onwards.
The new uniform guidelines dictate that Starbucks’ baristas wear any solid black long-sleeved or short-sleeved shirt, which can be crewneck or collared. The new dress code policy is designed to ensure the company’s striking iconic green apron stands out. Also, the policy states that baristas must pair the black shirt and green apron with any shade of blue denim, khaki or black bottoms. The coffee chain will provide two black shirts for free to its workers. Baristas can wear the new company-branded black t-shirts as well.
As per Starbucks, the new rule shall deliver a more consistent coffeehouse experience. Moreover, it will bring familiarity amongst customers and simpler and clearer guidance to partners.
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Baristas Slam Coffee Giant
However, the Starbucks Workers United took to their X handle to slam the new dress code policy. The union criticised Starbucks for focusing on dress code revamp instead of addressing actual issues like fair contracts, understaffing and lack of guaranteed hours.
Moreover, the union stated that they have been fighting for an inclusive dresscode for their disabled, racially diverse, queer and trans partners so they can “show up to work as their full selves.” Moreover, Starbucks Workers United pointed out that a change in dress code will burden workers who are already struggling to pay their bills.
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Starbucks has yet to respond to the backlash from Starbucks Workers United.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons (Image used for representation)
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