(Liberal Voice Network) – Workers at approximately 150 unionized Starbucks stores in the United States are taking a bold stand, going on strike due to a troubling dispute over the coffee giant’s stance on Pride decorations in its stores.
Starbucks Workers United, the union representing these organized stores, accuses Starbucks of unfairly restricting Pride month decorations in certain locations, highlighting a distressing double standard in its treatment of LGBTQIA+ workers. Starbucks vehemently denies these allegations, but their denials are met with skepticism.
Over the next week, around 3,500 employees will participate in the strike, as stated by Starbucks Workers United in a tweet. The company claims that store leaders are permitted to decorate their stores as they see fit for Pride and other heritage months, as long as the decorations adhere to safety guidelines. Starbucks asserts that it is not aware of any company-owned stores that have banned Pride decorations and points out that many stores have showcased their Pride displays on social media.
However, the union counters on Twitter, sharing internal documents and store managers’ testimonies that paint a different picture. They claim that Starbucks leaders, who are granted autonomy to “find ways to celebrate,” are the same individuals responsible for the bans on Pride decorations. An article points to approximately 100 locations in parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri where Pride decor was allegedly prohibited. These areas represent some of the more conservative regions in a deeply divided United States, while many Starbucks locations across the country proudly display Pride decorations.
Starbucks Workers United suggests that this exemplifies Starbucks succumbing to pressure, akin to Target’s actions of relocating or removing Pride merchandise from select stores. Pride has unfortunately become a political battleground this year, with conservative factions attacking companies that embrace inclusive celebrations.
Although some individual managers may have removed Pride decorations, Starbucks corporate claims that no changes have been made to their merchandising or other policies. The Seattle-based company has a historical commitment to progressive employee policies, dating back to 1988 when it provided full health benefits to same-sex partners. In subsequent years, it expanded coverage to include gender reassignment surgeries and allowed employees to use names or nicknames consistent with their gender identity or expression.
However, Starbucks has gained a reputation for suppressing unionization efforts. Recently, it faced allegations of “egregious and widespread misconduct” in its treatment of employees involved in attempts to unionize Buffalo, New York, stores, as stated by a National Labor Relations Board judge in March.
Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has been an outspoken opponent of unions, declaring, “I don’t think a union has a place in Starbucks.” While he acknowledged the workers’ right to file for unionization, he believed that the company had a better vision to offer.
This strike serves as a powerful reminder that even corporations with progressive track records must be held accountable when their actions contradict their stated values. Starbucks must address the concerns of its workers and ensure genuine inclusivity and support for the LGBTQIA+ community.