Photo of Starbucks employees attached to the press release promoting the new dress code in May by Starbucks USA. Starbucks
원본보기 아이콘At a Starbucks store in Davis, California, an employee identified as A was informed by the manager in July that Crocs shoes did not comply with the new dress code. The manager told A that if they wanted to work the next day, they would need to purchase different shoes. After visiting three stores, A found a pair of shoes that met the requirements and paid $60.09 (about 83,000 won). In addition, A spent another $86.95 (about 120,000 won) on clothing, including a black shirt and jeans.
Bought New Clothes and Shoes for the Changed Rules, but No Compensation Provided
A criticized the company, saying, "It shows a serious lack of awareness for the company to demand employees completely overhaul their wardrobes without any compensation," and added, "Most of us are already struggling to get by on our paychecks." A and several other employees said they requested reimbursement from Starbucks for the costs incurred to comply with the new dress code, but their requests were denied. An employee at a store in Aurora, Illinois, submitted a $10 (about 13,800 won) claim for the cost of removing a nose piercing, but it was not accepted.
On September 18 (local time), the Associated Press reported that Starbucks employees in three U.S. states have taken legal action, claiming the company did not reimburse them for the costs of purchasing new clothes after the dress code was changed.
Employees File Class Action Lawsuits in Illinois, Colorado, and More
According to the Associated Press, employees supported by the labor union have filed class action lawsuits in state courts in Illinois and Colorado, and in California, they have filed a complaint with the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The employees stated that if the department decides not to impose sanctions on Starbucks, they plan to file a class action lawsuit in California as well. Starbucks did not comment directly on the lawsuit to the Associated Press but explained that the dress code was simplified to provide customers with a consistent experience and to give employees clearer guidelines. In a statement, the company said, "As part of this change, we provided two free T-shirts to employees so they could prepare."
Starbucks employees featured in the Starbucks press release from November 2023, before the new dress code was introduced. Starbucks
원본보기 아이콘Only Subtle Colors Allowed for Socks and Stockings... Strict Rules Make Stores Feel Gloomy
The new dress code has been in effect since May 12. Under the new rules, all employees in North America must wear a solid black short- or long-sleeved shirt under the green apron. The presence or absence of a collar does not matter, but the shirt must cover the stomach and underarms. For bottoms, only khaki, black, or unfrayed, patternless blue denim jeans are allowed, and black dresses that do not rise more than four inches (about 10 cm) above the knee are also permitted. Shoes must be waterproof and in black, gray, dark blue, brown, beige, or white. Only "subtle colors" are allowed for socks and stockings. In addition, facial tattoos, more than two facial piercings, tongue piercings, and excessive stage makeup are prohibited.
A significant number of Starbucks employees say they miss the previous dress code. Previously, they could express themselves with colorful shirts and up to three facial piercings, but now all employees are dressed in black. Many say, "The store feels gloomy."
The Starbucks Workers United union has organized 640 of the 10,000 company-operated stores in the United States and has filed hundreds of unfair labor practice complaints with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The union filed a complaint regarding the dress code in April, but it is not directly involved in the current lawsuit.
