USA, 26th June 2023: Workers at dozens of Starbucks stores in the United States went on strike on Sunday to protest allegations made by the baristas’ union that management at numerous U.S. cafes removed rainbow flags and decorations for LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
On Sunday afternoon, a dozen Starbucks employees picketed outside New York’s Astor Place branch in downtown Manhattan, near the route of the city’s Pride parade.
The workers chanted: “New York is a union town! On strike! Shut it down!”
Union members distributed brochures and spoke with pedestrians about the strike, while other customers chose not to enter in solidarity with the walkout.
With Pride marches taking place in New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, and Starbucks’ hometown of Seattle, some baristas and other employees at the coffee chain have expressed their displeasure with the controversy.
A spokesperson said on Sunday, “ we unwaveringly support the LGBTQIA2+ community. It would be inaccurate to report that Starbucks stores are banning any decorations as there has been no change to company policy on this matter.”
The spokesperson added, “We remain deeply concerned by false information being spread about our inclusive store environments, our company culture and the benefits we offer our partners.”
Though the conflict is gaining prominence now, it began a year ago when the Workers United union claimed that the company threatened union organisers – many of whom identify as queer or trans – with reduced hours that would prevent them from qualifying for health insurance, which covers gender reassignment surgery and other affirming procedures.
Starbucks denied changing the coverage, calling the accusations “false claims” in a statement to Workers United International President Lynne Fox seen by Reuters on June 14.
