Respect our identity: Stop unfair appearance policies at 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!