About 150 unionized Starbucks locations in the United States will go on strike on Friday to protest the coffee chain’s policy regarding Pride decorations in stores. Starbucks Workers United, the union that represents organized outlets, claims that Starbucks has banned Pride month displays in certain locations, alleging a “hypocritical treatment of LGBTQIA+ workers.” According to media sources, Starbucks has categorically disputed these allegations. Starbucks Workers United said on Twitter that around 3,500 employees will strike throughout the next week. The union is drawing attention to what they see as contradictions in Starbucks’ comments, based on internal records and store manager testimonials.
Starbucks’ reaction
Starbucks confirmed that store managers can decorate their stores for Pride and other cultural months as long as they follow safety rules. The business states that no company-owned stores have banned Pride decorations and that numerous locations have promoted their Pride decorations on social media. A Starbucks spokeswoman reiterated the company’s continued support for the LGBTQIA+ community and denied any policy changes.
“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,” the Starbucks spokesperson said and added, “We’re deeply concerned by false information that is being spread.”
The Union’s rebuttal
On Twitter, the union responded to Starbucks’ comment by pointing to an article detailing Pride decor prohibitions in about 100 shops in conservative Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. Starbucks, according to the union, is caving in to pressure by removing Pride decorations.
Starbucks’ liberal policies
While Starbucks has a history of progressive employee policies, such as granting full health insurance to same-sex partners in 1988 and health coverage for gender reassignment surgery in 2013, the corporation has faced criticism for cracking down on unionization efforts. Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has been a vocal opponent of unions, claiming that they have no place in Starbucks.
Target pulls Pride merchandise after the anti-LGBTQ campaign
Starbucks’ issue comes after Target, a big retail firm, declared in May that it would remove select merchandise commemorating Pride Month from its shelves. Target made the decision in reaction to what the business described as a “volatile” anti-LGBTQ campaign aimed at both the corporation and its employees. Target stated that the threats made against its employees had a detrimental impact on their sense of safety and well-being. However, the corporation did not offer specifics about the nature of the threats, where they happened, or which products were withdrawn. Target said to say it was deleting items that were the source of the “most significant confrontational behavior.”