Coffee giant Starbucks has banned LGBTQ decorations in stores halfway through Pride Month, the company’s workers union has claimed.
However, the company has denied the allegation, setting up a showdown.
Starbucks Workers United said: “BREAKING: In the middle of Pride Month, Starbucks BANS Pride decorations in stores across the United States.
“For the last two weeks, Starbucks workers have taken to social media to report that the company is no longer allowing Pride decorations in-store.
“This seems to be the first year the publicly ‘pro-LGBTQ+’ company has taken this kind of stance.
“Taking a cue from Target, who bowed to anti-LGBTQ+ pressure and removed pride merchandise, corporate and district management are taking down the pride decorations that 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.
“Starbucks is powered by many queer workers, but management has failed to materially support the LGBTQ+ community.
“Last October, some workers have reported that their transgender benefit plan changed, causing them to pay out-of-pocket fees and lose access to certain providers.
“If Starbucks was a true ally, they would stand up for us, especially during a time when LGBTQ+ people are under attack.
“A company that cares wouldn’t turn their back on the LGBTQ+ community to protect their already astronomically high profits.
“True allyship with the LGBTQ+ community is negotiating a union contract that legally locks in our benefits, our freedom of expression, and ways to hold management accountable.”
BREAKING: In the middle of Pride Month, Starbucks BANS Pride decorations in stores across the United States.
— Starbucks Workers United (@SBWorkersUnited) June 13, 2023
For the last two weeks, Starbucks workers have taken to social media to report that the company is no longer allowing Pride decorations in-store. This seems to be the first year the publicly “pro-LGBTQ+” company has taken this kind of stance.
— Starbucks Workers United (@SBWorkersUnited) June 13, 2023
Taking a cue from Target, who bowed to anti-LGBTQ+ pressure and removed pride merchandise, corporate and district management are taking down the pride decorations that have become an annual tradition in stores.
— Starbucks Workers United (@SBWorkersUnited) June 13, 2023
Starbucks denied the claims in a statement, insisting that the company fully supports the “woke” agenda.
Spokesperson Andrew Trull said:
“We unwaveringly support the LGBTQIA2+ 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.
“We’re 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,” he said.
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