United States: Starbucks workers at over 150 locations have announced their intention to go on strike, citing the company’s alleged refusal to allow Pride Month decorations in its cafes. The Starbucks Workers United union revealed that more than 3,500 employees from these stores have pledged to strike within the next week, and additional stores are considering strike authorizations, potentially bringing the total to nearly 200 stores. The union took to Twitter, stating, “STRIKE WITH PRIDE! Seattle Roastery leads nationwide Starbucks strike over Starbucks’ hypocritical treatment of LGBTQIA+ workers.”

Last week, the union accused Starbucks of limiting Pride Month decorations in certain stores, implying that the traditionally liberal Seattle-based coffee chain succumbed to pressure from conservatives to downplay Pride Month. However, Starbucks denied these allegations, asserting that its policy regarding store decor remains unchanged and that some stores have shared their Pride decorations on social media.

The union countered Starbucks’ response by claiming that internal documents revealed regional Starbucks leaders in more conservative areas had opted to cancel Pride celebrations this year. The union presented a comprehensive list of demands, blending LGBTQIA+ issues with workers’ concerns. One of the demands highlighted the need for consistent hours to enable workers to access healthcare, including gender-affirming care. Other demands included gender-neutral bathrooms, a grievance procedure, protection against discrimination and sexual harassment, an end to intimidation tactics such as withholding credit card tips, and greater worker representation.

The union accused Starbucks of exploiting queer and trans workers for positive PR and profit while disregarding their voices. It called for the company to engage in contract negotiations that would legally guarantee the rights of workers. Although Starbucks has been recognized for its progressive policies toward employees, such as offering full health benefits to same-sex couples in 1988 and covering gender surgeries for trans-identifying individuals in 2013, it has been less supportive of workers’ attempts to unionize.

Former Starbucks CEO Mr. Howard Schultz expressed his belief that a union has no place in Starbucks, though he acknowledged employees’ right to file for unionization. Mr. Schultz stated, “We as a company have a right also to say, we have a different vision that is better.” In recent months, several major companies, including Bud Light and Target, have faced backlash and experienced stock declines due to their LGBT marketing strategies. Target, for example, faced criticism and subsequently withdrew certain LGBT-themed children’s clothing.

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