Starbucks
The company claims there have been no changes in company policy and has declared its “unwavering support” for the LGBTQ+ community
Coffee giant Starbucks is embroiled in a dispute with a union over claims that workers at some of its US stores have been told they will not be able to put up Pride decorations this year.
The row comes as a right-wing backlash against many American companies is spreading across the US, with conservative activists and consumers attacking statements of support for LGBTQ+ Americans. Some of the largest corporations in the US – like retailer Target and beer giant Anheuser-Busch – have been hit by boycotts.
In addition, many Republican-led states have passed a wave of legislation that undermines the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly around gay and transgender education in schools. According to the Human Rights Campaign, more than 520 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in US state legislatures so far in 2023, a record number, including a record passage of 74 bills.
The Starbucks row erupted after a petition was started in early June on Coworker.org, a union organization website, alleging that Starbucks executives had told workers not to put up Pride decorations this year.
A Starbucks employee at a non-union Virginia store, who started the petition but asked to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation, said he arrived at work in early June and noticed that the entire Pride and other decoration of his shop had been removed. The petition is addressed to your regional manager.
“I was told that they had just introduced a new no-decoration policy. And I was like, “Just before Pride?” That’s really suspicious and kind of weird. I was pretty sure it wasn’t just our store because our store managers are very supportive of LGBT issues, most of our staff are members of the LGBT community and I was told it was the regional manager’s decision,” he said worker.
“It’s so ridiculous because it’s just a small quality of life thing we can do, it doesn’t impact the businesses, it doesn’t eat into their profits – even the customers like it.” We get a lot of compliments on decorations and a lot our customers are also members of the LGBT community and I found that really frustrating and frankly pointless.”
The worker criticized Starbucks’ initial denial that Pride decorations were being removed in stores and claimed the company was sidestepping the claims, citing that the decorations’ removal was not part of a change in company policy as it was a regional one Management decision that affects the business.
A Starbucks in Montecito, California displays a rainbow heart to show its support for the LGBQT+ community. Photo Credit: Amy Katz/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock
Also, Starbucks Workers United, the union representing Starbucks workers at more than 300 locations across the United States posted a thread on Twitter on June 13, claiming that workers in at least 21 states, including those at unionized stores, have reported that their store managers are banning Pride decorations.
The union has also rejected Starbucks’ denial. quote Numerous reports on social media and TikTok videos from workers about the removal of Pride decorations in their stores.
Starbucks has denied any changes to company policies, claiming it is not aware of any company business that has banned decorations related to Pride month. It was said to be awaiting a response from the regional manager named in the petition on the discrepancy between workers and management on decoration policy.
“We have unwavering support for the LGBTQIA2+ community. There have been no changes to our policies on this and we continue to encourage our store managers to celebrate with their communities, including for US Pride month in June,” said Starbucks spokesman Andrew Trumbull.
He added, “We are deeply concerned about the proliferation of false information, particularly regarding our inclusive store environments, our corporate culture and the benefits we offer our partners.” Starbucks has a history of recognition and appreciation spanning more than four decades our diverse partners and customers – including supporting the LGBTQIA2+ community year-round.”
The company did not directly comment on the Coworker.org petition.
The worker claimed the decision to remove Pride decorations, particularly given the recent surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, is detrimental to communities who need public support to counter it.
“It feels like they’re unnecessarily conforming to this, even though they don’t have to. I don’t think it would cost her anything. We’re meant to be a community environment,” they said.
I’m frustrated that they just deny it’s even happening anywhere
“I’m frustrated that they just deny it’s even happening anywhere. Rather than grappling with it and realizing that while they may not have a company policy in place, that doesn’t mean it hasn’t. A regional manager is in control of a large number of stores and if he says ‘no decorations’ and decides to implement that just before Pride there will be a reaction saying it’s false information just isn’t true.”
Another Starbucks employee said his Maryland store also removed all decorations as Pride month began.
“They tore down most of what we had in early June and said we couldn’t decorate for Pride or anything else this year. “The store has to look like JLP – ‘exactly like the picture,'” the worker said. “We were asked not to make a big deal out of it. A lot of LGBTQIA+ people work at Starbucks, including me. The company offers insurance benefits that cover healthcare for transgender people, makes a great game about inclusion and community, but now at least prevents us from celebrating Pride in some stores.”
Starbucks Workers United claimed the new policy is different from previous Pride months, where decorations are allowed, and is in line with recent policy changes at Target, which released Pride merchandise in response to threats and criticism from far-right, anti-LGBTQ+ groups would have removed.
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