Union leaders say Starbucks workers at over 150 stores across the country will go on strike after claims that the company banned Pride decorations in some stores.
The Starbucks Workers United union said 3,500 workers from over 150 stores will strike over the course of next week, and is demanding that all stores be allowed to put up Pride decorations in support of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as recognize a union contract.
The union has alleged that Starbucks did not allow some U.S. stores to decorate for Pride Month or asked some stores to take down existing decorations, as other companies, including Target and Bud Light, received recent backlash from consumers for supporting Pride Month, LGBTQ+ issues and influencers.
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Starbucks denies union’s claims about Pride decorations
Starbucks has denied issuing any policies or guidance to stores to take down Pride Month decorations. In a statement, the coffee company accused the union of spreading false information and said it continues to “encourage our store leaders to celebrate the diversity of our partners and customers within their communities, including for Pride Month.”