Starbucks workers sue over company’s new dress code’s costs to them

Starbucks employees in three states have taken legal action against the company, claiming that the new dress code implemented by the coffee giant violated the law by not reimbursing employees for the expenses incurred in purchasing new clothes. The employees, supported by the union representing Starbucks workers, filed class-action lawsuits in Illinois and Colorado, while also lodging complaints with California’s Labor and Workforce Development Agency.

The new dress code, which requires all North American workers to wear a solid black shirt under their green aprons, sparked a strike at 75 U.S. stores in May. The policy also mandates specific bottoms and shoes, while prohibiting face tattoos, multiple facial piercings, tongue piercings, and “theatrical makeup.” Starbucks claims that the dress code was simplified to provide a more consistent customer experience and offer clearer guidance to employees.

Before the implementation of the new dress code, Starbucks had a more lenient policy that allowed for self-expression through a wider variety of colorful and patterned shirts. However, the stricter enforcement of the new dress code has led to employees being denied the opportunity to start their shifts if they do not comply. Many employees, like Brooke Allen from California, have had to spend additional money on clothes and shoes to adhere to the new standards.

The lawsuits and complaints filed by the employees allege that Starbucks’ dress code violates state laws that require companies to reimburse workers for expenses that primarily benefit the employer. Multiple plaintiffs have requested reimbursement from Starbucks for expenses related to conforming to the dress code but have been denied. These legal actions mark a shift in tactics in the ongoing effort to unionize Starbucks’ stores, as previous attempts through the National Labor Relations Board have been hindered by a lack of quorum.

Starbucks Workers United has been actively unionizing U.S. stores since 2021, although a contract agreement has yet to be reached between the company and the union. Despite returning to the bargaining table in February 2024, negotiations have not yielded a resolution. The employees’ legal actions highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Starbucks workers in their quest for fair treatment and reimbursement for work-related expenses.