Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) slid Friday after a union representing workers said some stores will strike beginning Friday following claims that the company has not allowed Pride month decor in cafes. Workers at more than 150 stories have agreed to join the strikes taking place over the next week, according to the union, with more working on authorizations.
Workers at about 150 stores have threatened to strike over the company's policy of not being allowed to wear or display Pride month decor. The Workers United union has also organized the strike due to claims that Starbucks is acting slow to negotiate labour contracts.
For its part, Starbucks said it had not revised its guidelines for store decorations, which include hanging flags and decorations. "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," stated a company spokesperson.
The strikes are expected to take place over the next week, but will cover only 2% of Starbucks stores in the U.S.
The unionization efforts at Starbucks have been playing out slowly and have not been a major financial consideration so far. While more than 300 stores in the U.S. have voted to unionize, none of the employee groups from those stores have been able to negotiate a bargaining contract with the Seattle-based coffee chain giant.
SBUX shares declined $1.30, or 1.3%, to $99.55.
