Starbucks has criticized the union for spreading a “false” claim that staff in the US were ordered to remove LGBTQ+ decorations in the store midway through Pride month.
The Starbucks Workers United union tweeted Tuesday that executives had “banned” stores from displaying Pride merchandise, accusing the coffee giant of giving in to backlash and failing to “materially support the LGBTQ+ community.”
The union, which represents more than 41,000 workers in more than 325 stores, added that the move was especially hurtful “at a time when LGBTQ+ people are under attack.”
But a Target spokesperson responded to the allegation, telling DailyMail.com that the union’s claims were false and that the company “unwaveringly supports the LGBTQIA2+ community.”
Starbucks faced allegations that it was ‘bowing to pressure’ and removing its Pride products from stores, which the coffee giant denies
The back and forth is going amid increasing scrutiny of Pride product releases among major US brands, with Target losing a whopping $15 billion in market cap after offering “tuck-friendly” transgender swimwear in its female line.
This led to allegations that Starbucks was trying to avoid a similar fate by removing its Pride products after just two weeks. However, a company spokesperson denied that the policy change was ever implemented.
“There is no change in policy in this regard and we continue to encourage our store leaders to celebrate with their communities, including for US Pride Month in June,” the brand said in a statement to DailyMail.com.
“We are deeply concerned about false information being spread, especially when it comes to our inclusive shopping environments, our corporate culture and the benefits we offer our partners.”
In a statement to DailyMail.com, the union doubled down on its claims, saying: “In stores across the country, Starbucks is refusing to let employees decorate for Pride and is also removing Pride flags across the country.
“This is in contrast to Starbucks” in previous years, where union shops were allowed to display pride decorations without incident.
“For us, this is clearly a continuation of Starbucks’ anti-union campaign against workers and yet another way to silence gay voices.”
On Twitter, Starbucks’ union accused the brand of yielding to pressure, claiming that “company and district management” had ordered the removal of their “annual tradition” decorations.
“In union stores, where Starbucks claims they cannot make “unilateral changes” without negotiation, the company removed Pride decorations and flags anyway — ignoring their own anti-union talking point,” the union continued.
“If Starbucks were a true ally, they would stand up for us, especially at a time when LGBTQ+ people are under attack.
“A company that cares wouldn’t turn its back on the LGBTQ+ community to protect their already astronomically high profits.”
The union also alleged that some transgender workers had reported that benefit plans had changed since October, as they instructed the company to negotiate new contracts that “legislated our benefits, our freedom of expression and ways of holding management accountable.”
The Starbucks Workers United union has been approached by DailyMail.com for comment.
Retailer Target faced backlash over release of Pride merchandise pictured in Queens, New York
Some customers have called for a boycott because LGBTQ+ products are being pushed by big companies
Target’s latest swimwear line included a label advertising its “crease-friendly construction” and “extra crotch” coverage
Sportswear giant Adidas used two biologically male models, who have a distinct bulge in their crotch and chest hair, for its women’s Pride swimwear line
Claims that Starbucks leadership is “bowing to anti-LGBTQ+ pressure” come as several brands struggle with how to celebrate the month and avoid backlash.
Retail giant Target came under fire after it began selling “crease-friendly” swimsuits in its selection of women’s swimwear.
The brand’s Pride product line also included children’s clothing with trans-friendly slogans, LGBTQ+-friendly children’s literature and calendars.
Sportswear brand Adidas also faced calls for a boycott after it used two biological men to advertise its Pride women’s swimwear line.