Starbucks Hit with Lawsuits Over Costly Dress Code Changes

Starbucks is facing legal action from employees in three U.S. states who claim its new dress code forces them to spend their own money on work clothes without reimbursement. Class-action lawsuits were filed in Illinois and Colorado this week, while workers in California lodged complaints with the state’s Labour and Workforce Development Agency, with plans to sue if regulators decline to act.
The policy, introduced earlier this year across North American stores, requires staff to wear plain black shirts, khaki or dark denim bottoms, and muted-colour waterproof shoes. It also restricts personal expression by limiting facial piercings, banning face tattoos and tongue piercings, and prohibiting “theatrical” makeup. Workers say failure to comply prevents them from starting shifts.
Employees argue the policy violates state laws requiring employers to cover costs of mandated uniforms. Court filings say many low-wage staff had to spend hundreds of dollars to meet the standards, with one California worker reporting $140 spent on clothing and shoes in a single month. Requests for reimbursement were denied, including one in Illinois for the removal of a nose piercing.
The dress code has already sparked protests. In May, more than 1,000 workers across 75 stores staged strikes against the policy. Union representatives argue such sweeping changes should be subject to collective bargaining.
The lawsuits highlight a shift in strategy for Starbucks workers, who have long campaigned for union recognition and better conditions. While federal labour complaints remain ongoing, employees are increasingly turning to state courts to challenge company policies.

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