Starbucks bans colors and styles in its new internal rules: new uniform sparks controversy among employees

Starbucks is updating the uniform for its barista staff to let the company’s “iconic green apron shine.” The changes will come into effect on May 12, and will limit the base clothing that will be worn under the apron.

The company believes this change will “create a sense of familiarity for our customers, no matter which store they visit across North America.” The assertion is a bit absurd, as it neglects the role of the baristas themselves in making customers feel at ease, regardless of the location they are being served at. The company hopes that the changes to the dress code will allow their partners to focus on “what matters most, crafting great beverages and fostering connections with customers."

On Reddit, rumors that changes to the dress code were being prepared began circulating a few months ago. As the news was confirmed, many workers shared their frustration with the decision, arguing that it strips cafes of their soul, which is shaped by the personalities brought by the team. One user wrote: "starbucks is the baristas, the experience is us. they’re forgetting that."

Starbucks Workers United, a group working to unionize cafes across the US, saw the announcement as a distraction and noted that in negotiations, the union had been “fighting for a contract that expands the dress code,” already in place for workers.

The updated dress code at Starbucks starting in May

“The more defined color palette includes any solid black short and long-sleeved crewneck, collared, or button-up shirts and any shade of khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms,” explained Starbucks in its press release.

The company said that it would provide two shirts for free.

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