A union representing Starbucks stores in 21 states claimed that workers were instructed by their managers not to decorate for Pride Month, sparking controversy. Starbucks denied that this represented corporate policy and called it an outlier decision by local leaders. In neighborhoods synonymous with Pride, such as Manhattan’s Chelsea and Greenwich Village, rainbow displays were scarce at Starbucks stores. Workers from various states, including Wisconsin, Ohio, and Virginia, reported being asked to remove existing Pride decorations or being prohibited from decorating for Pride Month due to reasons such as standardized decor choices, limited paid hours, customer discomfort, and safety concerns.
Starbucks Workers United, an organization aiming to unionize Starbucks stores, criticized the company for not supporting LGBTQ workers during a time when conservative politicians are targeting the community with discriminatory legislation. The union accused Starbucks of using intimidation tactics during contract negotiations, making employees uncomfortable in their workplace. After the union’s criticism, Starbucks sent a note asserting that there was no ban on Pride decorations, but some managers claimed they had not received the communication. Starbucks spokesperson Andrew Trull defended the company, stating that local store leaders had discretion in determining store appearances, as long as they followed company policies and safety regulations.
While Trull mentioned that Starbucks still supported the LGBTQ community in various ways, some workers reported a lack of visible support. The removal of Pride flags and decorations caused disappointment among employees, who considered them symbols of acceptance. Other companies, such as Bud Light and Target, have faced similar controversies over their inclusive marketing efforts, coinciding with a wave of legislation aiming to undermine LGBTQ rights. Starbucks highlighted its long-standing support for the community through workplace policies, donations, and advocacy, and received a high rating in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. However, some workers felt that the company’s actions did not align with its professed support, leading to a disconnect between Starbucks’ inclusive policies and the experiences of certain employees.
Workers displayed a Pride flag, rainbow-colored paper chains and rainbow lights inside a Starbucks in Madison, Wis., for about a month. But on Sunday, a district manager visited “to make sure everything was up to standard,” said Matt Cartwright, a shift supervisor at the store.
The flag and other décor were removed.
“How is it fair to our trans or queer partners to say, ‘Your flag — a way of showing that we respect and acknowledge you — might be offensive to someone who wants to buy coffee’?” Mr. Cartwright said.
