Respect our identity: Stop unfair appearance policies at Starbucks

Starbucks

Starbucks has rolled out a new uniform and appearance policy, but it’s being applied inconsistently and unfairly.

Starbucks workers who were hired with visible tattoos, piercings, or certain styles are now being told to cover up or change their appearance. But the policy is so vague, with undefined terms like “khaki,” “theatrical makeup,” or “distracting colours,” that it’s being left entirely up to individual managers to decide what’s acceptable. The result? Confusion, anxiety, and uneven enforcement across stores.

This is wrong. Starbucks workers should never be punished for the way they were hired, and policies should never erase the individuality and diversity that make Starbucks what it is.

Starbucks needs to pause enforcement of the new uniform and appearance policy immediately. Any policy that affects workers’ daily lives should:
✅ Respect existing agreements and no partner should have to change their appearance if it was accepted when they were hired.
✅ Provide clear, enforceable standards and not vague or subjective language that leaves workers guessing and opens the door to discrimination.
✅ End inconsistent enforcement that unfairly targets some partners while others are unaffected.
✅ Consult with all workers, unionized and non-union, to create a fair, inclusive and practical policy.
✅ Reflect and respect the diversity of partner identities and cultures.
✅ Prioritize comfort and practicality for the job, not arbitrary rules.
✅ Allow flexibility for unionized partners to address the policy in bargaining.

Starbucks claims to value diversity and inclusion. This policy and how it’s being applied says otherwise.

If you believe Starbucks workers deserve respect, fairness and a real voice in workplace policies, sign this petition today!
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USW District 3

To: Starbucks
From: [Your Name]

Dear Starbucks,

I am writing to express my concern about the rollout and enforcement of your new uniform and appearance policy.

While Starbucks claims to value diversity and inclusion, this policy is being applied inconsistently and unfairly. Workers who were hired with visible tattoos, piercings, or other aspects of personal expression are suddenly being told to cover up or remove them, despite those same appearances being accepted when they were brought on board.

In some stores, the policy is enforced strictly, while others turn a blind eye. This has left partners anxious, confused and fearful of being disciplined simply for showing up as their authentic selves.

This is not right. Starbucks partners deserve to be respected and treated fairly.

Starbucks needs to pause enforcement of the new uniform and appearance policy immediately. Any policy that affects workers’ daily lives should:
• Respect existing agreements and ensure no partner is asked to change their appearance if it was accepted when they were hired.
• Provide clear, enforceable standards and not vague or subjective language that leaves workers guessing and opens the door to discrimination.
• End inconsistent enforcement that unfairly targets some partners while others are unaffected.
• Consult with all workers, unionized and non-union, to create a fair, inclusive and practical policy.
• Reflect and respect the diversity of partner identities and cultures.
• Prioritize comfort and practicality, not arbitrary or appearance-based rules.
• Allow flexibility for unionized partners to raise concerns and bargain around the policy.

Your partners are the heart of your brand. Their individuality is not a liability. It’s what makes Starbucks a place where customers feel welcome and communities feel connected. Please live up to your stated values and ensure all workplace policies are grounded in respect, fairness and equity.

Sincerely,