Over 150 Starbucks branches across the U.S., involving an estimated 3,500 employees, are planning a strike throughout the upcoming week.
This action is in response to allegations that Starbucks has prohibited the display of LGBTQ “Pride”-related decor, according to a statement issued by the Starbucks Workers United union on Friday.
At the heart of the impending nationwide strike is a Seattle roastery, claiming Starbucks made an “unlawful decision to unilaterally alter or terminate store Pride decoration policies without negotiating with our union,” The Hill reports.
The workers’ union has also pointed to numerous incidents of supposed unfair labor practices.
The union, Starbucks Workers United, previously stated it received information from several stores nationwide, revealing that employees were either barred from putting up Pride month decorations or found their Pride flags removed.
“In the middle of Pride Month, Starbucks BANS Pride decorations in stores across the United States,” the union tweeted earlier this month.
Contradicting these claims, Starbucks spokesperson Andrew Trull emphasized that there has been “no change” in the company’s policy.
He affirmed the company’s position by stating, “We continue to encourage our store leaders to celebrate with their communities, including for U.S. Pride month in June.”
He further expressed the company’s profound concern regarding the spread of potentially false information.
The spokesperson argued that these misleading narratives could unfairly undermine the company’s inclusive work environment, corporate culture, and the benefits offered to its partners, saying: “We’re deeply concerned by false information that is being spread especially as it relates to our inclusive store environments, our company culture, and the benefits we offer our partners.”
