Current:Home > InvestSome Starbucks workers say Pride Month decorations banned at stores, but the company says that's not true -AssetScope
Some Starbucks workers say Pride Month decorations banned at stores, but the company says that's not true
View
Date:2025-04-13 23:52:40
As Starbucks continues to battle unionization efforts by baristas, the company has been accused by some U.S. employees of banning LGBTQ Pride decorations. The company says this isn't true and that their policy around Pride Month has not changed.
Starbucks Workers United, the labor group leading unionization, claimed in a series of Tweets that during Pride Month, the company has for the first time disallowed Pride decorations, which "have become an annual tradition in stores."
"In union stores, where Starbucks claims they are unable to make 'unilateral changes' without bargaining, the company took down Pride decorations and flags anyway — ignoring their own anti-union talking point," the group claimed in a tweet.
BREAKING: In the middle of Pride Month, Starbucks BANS Pride decorations in stores across the United States.
— Starbucks Workers United (@SBWorkersUnited) June 13, 2023
But Starbucks says there has been "no change" to its policies, and that the company "unwaveringly" supports the LGBTQ community.
"There has been no change to any policy on this matter and we continue to encourage our store leaders to celebrate with their communities including for U.S. Pride Month in June," the spokesperson said in a statement, adding that the company is "deeply concerned by false information that is being spread especially as it relates to our inclusive store environments, our company culture, and the benefits we offer our partners."
"Starbucks has a history that includes more than four decades of recognizing and celebrating our diverse partners and customers – including year-round support for the LGBTQIA2+ community," the statement reads. The company said it empowers employees to show support for several heritage months.
On its website, Starbucks has a timeline of its history of inclusion of the LGBTQ community, starting in 1988 when the company began offering full health benefits to employees including coverage for same-sex domestic partnerships.
Starbucks Workers United claims several employees have reported the alleged ban on Pride decor. The group is calling on the company to stand up for the LGBTQ community and to negotiate union contracts "that legally locks-in our benefits, our freedom of expression, and ways to hold management accountable."
Starbucks and the labor union don't see eye to eye on a number of issues. Since October 2022, Starbucks has filed more than 100 Unfair Labor Practice charges against the union, saying they have failed to appoint representatives for several bargaining sessions and have failed to bargain in good faith. Meanwhile, the National Labor Relations Board accused the company of using an "array of illegal tactics" against the union, and a judge ruled the company violated labor laws "hundreds of times" during a unionization drive in Buffalo, New York.
Companies' support for Pride Month and the LGBTQ community has become a target of protests, with Target deciding to remove some Pride merchandise from their stores, saying employees had received threats. Bud Light also received backlash this year after partnering with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, which resulted in a drop in sales of the beer.
Starbucks recently launched a collaboration with artist Tim Singleton, who designed bright, reusable cups as part of the company's Artist Collaboration Series. In an Instagram post, he referred to the six rainbow-themed cups as "this year's Pride Collection," and Starbucks describes it as "a mish-mash of pop culture, queer culture and nostalgia with bold visuals and rainbow-bright colors."
While June is a month designated for celebrating LGBTQ pride, the community has been facing an increase in threats and political backlash from the right. This year, more than 520 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced at the state level — a record — and 74 such laws have been enacted, according to the Human Rights Campaign.
- In:
- Starbucks
- Pride
- Pride Month
Caitlin O'Kane is a digital content producer covering trending stories for CBS News and its good news brand, The Uplift.
veryGood! (7)
Related
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- What Ted Lasso Can Teach Us About Climate Politics
- PHOTO COLLECTION: At a home for India’s unwanted elders, faces of pain and resilience
- An 'asymmetrical' butt? Why Lululemon pulled its new leggings off shelves
- Meet the volunteers risking their lives to deliver Christmas gifts to children in Haiti
- Brittney Griner: ‘Head over heels’ for Americans coming home in prisoner swap
- Lance Bass Shares He Has Type 1.5 Diabetes After Being Misdiagnosed Years Ago
- Man accused of beheading father in their home is competent to stand trial, judge rules
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Biden’s new Title IX rules are all set to take effect. But not in these states.
Ranking
- What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
- Jonathan Majors breaks silence on Robert Downey Jr. replacing him as next 'Avengers' villain
- Ohio historical society settles with golf club to take back World Heritage tribal site
- Watch a DNA test reunite a dog with his long lost mom
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- Polish news warns Taylor Swift concertgoers of citywide Warsaw alarm: 'Please remain calm'
- Lance Bass Shares He Has Type 1.5 Diabetes After Being Misdiagnosed Years Ago
- No. 1 Iga Swiatek falls to Qinwen Zheng at the Olympics. Queen has shot at gold
Recommendation
Grammy nominee Teddy Swims on love, growth and embracing change
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Share Rare Family Update During First Joint Interview in 3 Years
Olympic boxer at center of gender eligibility controversy wins bizarre first bout
Pucker Up, Lipstick Addicts! These 40% Off Deals Are Selling Out Fast: Fenty Beauty, Too Faced & More
Why we love Bear Pond Books, a ski town bookstore with a French bulldog 'Staff Pup'
Tesla was in full self-driving mode when it fatally hit Seattle-area motorcyclist: Police
2024 Olympics: How Brazilian Gymnast Flavia Saraiva Bounced Back After Eye Injury
Simone Biles' 2024 Olympics Necklace Proves She's the GOAT After Gymnastics Gold Medal Win