Amidst allegations from union organizers that it is banning Pride displays in its U.S. stores, Starbucks SBUX has denied any such claims. The accusations come in the wake of other brands like Target Corp. TGT experiencing backlash over similar issues, Fortune reports.
Union Allegations: Starbucks Workers United, the union organizing U.S. Starbucks stores, asserts that store managers have been curtailing or removing Pride displays during the month-long celebration of LGBTQ+ people. Some managers reportedly cited safety concerns, referencing incidents at Target where customers tipped over merchandise and confronted workers.
Starbucks’ Stance: Starbucks, however, maintains that there has been no change in policy and continues to encourage store leaders to celebrate with their communities, including for U.S. Pride month. The company has a long history of supporting LGBTQ+ employees, extending full health benefits to same-sex partners in 1988 and adding health coverage for gender reassignment surgery in 2013.
Unionization Efforts: Over 300 Starbucks stores have voted to unionize since 2021, a move that Starbucks opposes. Union organizer Ian Miller alleges a change in the company’s tone this year, citing his own experience of needing prior approval to put up Pride decorations.
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