More than 2,000 Starbucks workers participated in a walkout this week in protest of a new dress code policy implemented by the company.

The labor action, organized by Starbucks Workers United, comes amid ongoing contract negotiations and broader demands for improved working conditions and pay.

The company’s updated dress code requires employees to wear solid black shirts and either khaki, black, or blue denim pants.

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As part of the rollout, Starbucks has provided two company-branded black shirts to each employee at no cost.

However, the union has criticized the policy, calling it arbitrary and burdensome for hourly employees who are already demanding what they say are more equitable working conditions.

In a statement posted to social media platform Bluesky, Starbucks Workers United said, “We’re not just angry over a shirt color. Starbucks is a MASSIVE company without focus. They refuse to staff our stores properly, give guaranteed hours to workers, pay us a living wage, or provide stipends to pay for this arbitrary dress code. We need fair union contracts NOW.”

The union walkout comes as Starbucks and union representatives remain in stalled negotiations.

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No collective bargaining agreement has been reached since the union began organizing in 2021.

In February 2023, union leaders accused the company of stalling and failing to negotiate in good faith.

The company, in response, emphasized that the vast majority of its stores remain open and fully operational.

“More than 99% of our stores are open today serving customers,” Starbucks said in a statement, referring to the walkout.

The company also questioned the focus of the union’s efforts, stating, “If union representatives put the same energy into returning to the bargaining table as they do protesting over black shirts, we might make more progress.”

Starbucks refers to its employees as “partners” and has historically offered a benefits package that includes healthcare, stock options, tuition reimbursement, and paid time off.

However, union members argue that inconsistent scheduling, lack of guaranteed hours, and what they describe as low wages continue to make working conditions difficult.

An anonymous employee quoted by union channels said the new uniform policy was “just another way to control us,” adding that “wearing black doesn’t make the customer experience any better.”

Other employees have echoed concerns that the company is not addressing what they describe as larger systemic issues affecting staff morale and turnover.

The walkout affected a number of stores across the country, though exact figures regarding closures or reduced services were not provided by either side.

Starbucks has not indicated whether it will revise the dress code in response to the protests, but the company reiterated that it remains open to continued contract negotiations.

Labor experts say the situation reflects broader tensions within the fast-food and service industry, where organizing efforts have grown since the pandemic.

More than 400 Starbucks stores have voted to unionize, but none have secured a finalized contract as of May 2025.

The union says its members will continue to demand fair contracts and improved workplace conditions and are planning additional actions if negotiations do not resume.

Starbucks has maintained that it remains committed to “constructive and direct dialogue” with employees while continuing to operate its stores without interruption.

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