In June 2023, Starbucks Workers United (SWU) called a nationwide strike over allegations that Starbucks managers were preventing employees from decorating their stores for Pride Month. The union claimed that the company was treating LGBTQIA+ workers in a hypocritical way. Workers in at least 21 states reported that their store management was banning Pride decorations. The union cited social media and TikTok videos as evidence. Starbucks denied the allegations, claiming that there had been no policy changes. The company said it was waiting to hear back from regional managers about the disconnect between workers and management. The union called for a strike at more than 150 stores, including the Seattle Reserve Roastery. The strike was over the company’s labour practices and its treatment of LGBTQIA+ workers.
