Starbucks workers took legal action against their employer on Wednesday, accusing the company of breaking the law by implementing a new dress code but allegedly refusing to reimburse employees for the associated expenses.
Class-action lawsuits were filed in Illinois and Colorado on Wednesday. Workers also filed complaints with California’s Labor and Workforce Development Agency, saying they would file a class-action lawsuit in California as well if the agency doesn’t impose penalties against Starbucks.
The workers, backed by their union, said the dress code violates state laws that require companies to reimburse workers for expenses that mostly benefit the employer. Colorado state law, according to that lawsuit, also prohibits employers from imposing expenses on workers without their written consent.
Multiple plaintiffs said they requested reimbursement from Starbucks to conform to the new dress code but were denied.
The workers are seeking damages on behalf of all Starbucks workers in those states, not just those unionized.
“As part of this change, and to ensure our partners were prepared, partners received two shirts at no cost,” the companies said in a statement on Wednesday while not directly addressing the lawsuits.
The coffee chain’s latest dress code, which took effect in May, requires workers to wear a solid black shirt under their green aprons. The shirts can have short or long sleeves but may not be sleeveless or expose midriffs.
Pants must be khaki, blue or black denim, without frays at the hems and without patterns. Black dresses are permitted, as long as they fall no higher than 4 inches above the knee. The dress code requires shoes be made from waterproof material and be black, gray, dark blue, brown, tan or white. The company has said socks and hosiery must be “subdued.”
Employees are prohibited from having face tattoos, more than one facial piercing or tongue piercings. The dress code also forbids “theatrical makeup.”
Starbucks rolled out the dress code as part of its “Back to Starbucks” initiative, which aims to create “a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather and where we serve the finest coffee, handcrafted by our skilled baristas.”
The company has said the dress code aims to make customers feel more at ease and create a more welcoming experience for them in stores.
“The facts show Back to Starbucks is making the experience better for both customers and partners,” Starbucks said in its statement, noting it’s making investments to ensure there are “more partners working busy shifts, supported by new technology designed to make their lives easier.”
“We’re committed to continuing to be the best job in retail. Hourly partners earn an average of $30/hour in pay and benefits, including free college, comprehensive healthcare, and up to 18 weeks of paid family leave for part-time work,” the company added.
The Associated Press contributed.
