By David G. Firestone
As anyone who knows me will attest, I hate coffee. I haven’t had a cup since 2006. As such, I don’t go to Starbucks. Well, last week, after I wrote my column for the week, I came across an article on Starbucks. Specifically, how a number of Gen Z baristas are up in arms over the new dress policy. What specifically is the issue? well, according to the chain itself:
“That’s why, starting May 12, we’re evolving our dress code in all stores to focus on simplified color options that allow our iconic green apron to shine and create a sense of familiarity for our customers, no matter which store they visit across North America.
The more defined color palette includes any solid black short and long-sleeved crewneck, collared, or button-up shirts and any shade of khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms. We’re also making a new line of company branded t-shirts available to partners, who will receive two at no cost – including partner network options.”
Yes, you read that correctly. The Starbucks union employees are up in arms over the fact that the chain is mandadting them wearing a black polo shirt. As dumb as that may sound, here is a snippet from the New York Post article:
“In a video posted to X, Starbucks union workers in Seattle can be seen marching on management in response to the new dress code.
The clip was captioned, “Starbucks workers across the country are facing understaffing, inaccessible benefits, discrimination, and low wages.
“Instead of fixing these issues, Starbucks decided to introduce an unpopular, more conservative dress code.”
A barista wearing a bandana and a party hat can be seen addressing management, saying, “I don’t understand how [the dress code] is in good faith of letting us express ourselves.”
Another worker then says, “We’re just expected to lie down and accept it,” as union members clap and cheer.”
To those who think that this policy is unfair, let me add my own take. Young people have a tendency to be dumb, but this new crop, holy shit!
I’ve worked a number of different jobs in various fields over the years. Every single one of them had a dress code which outlined what I could and couldn’t wear. Sometimes the rules were for aesthetic reasons, khakis and polo to look professional, and sometimes they were for safety reasons, no loose clothes near machinery. Rules are rules, and you have to follow them, even if you think they are unfair.
It’s called being an adult. You’re going to have to grow up at some point. When you get hired to work anywhere, you work for the company, but the company does NOT have to work for you! You WILL spend a lot of time being unhappy, and life will be unfair against you, more often than not. Grown up adults can accept it, but these adult children can’t.
On the Fark.com comment section, one comment, made by
DeathByGeekSquad has a very apt take on Starbucks employees:
“There are three types of people who work at Starbucks stores.
“1. The manager – the person who is or wants to manage a store for the sake of padding their resume for a few years.
2. The paycheck earner – the person who is there while they figure things out but generally just cashing their check
3. The complacent – the people who want to do as little as possible to earn just enough to cover basics and complain about their life. They’re not out looking for better jobs, or looking to do anything that improves their chances of better employment.
The first two don’t care about dress code requirements, it’s part of the job. The third complains about everything, and therefore complains about dress code. They’ll also complain about Partner Services. The Playbook. The hours. The manager. The Assistant Store Manager. The customers. The menu. Their coworkers.
They’re a toxic presence at an otherwise smooth operation.
They’re made up of the dropouts, the people who are too stupid to become an ASM or Shift Manager, or semi-functional addicts looking for a payday.”
Starbucks isn’t a high-end cafe in a rich part of town. Starbucks isn’t a highly praised local or regional coffe house. Starbucks is pretty much the McDonald’s of coffee chains. People don’t visit Starbucks because of what the barista is wearing. You are there to make coffee, not put on a fashion show. Wearing a polo as part of your employment isn’t “fascism,” it isn’t “repression,” it isn’t “censorship.” It is, at best, a minor inconvenience.
Anybody who feels that their anger is justified is also part of the problem, in my eyes at least. Rather than just accept that rules are rules, and that life is unfair, they just can’t accept it, even though they are adults. Again, I’ve worked in many different jobs, in different fields, and all of them have had very specific dress codes. I had them in elementary, middle, and high school. College was more relaxed, but there were still rules. Just go to Amazon, and buy some cheap polo shirts. It’s not the end of the world, and it really doesn’t warrant union intervention.
I’m not a big corporations suck-up, but I do NOT have any sympathy for grown-up children who have no clue whatsoever how to be adults. Adults can handle dress codes and can abide by them, with no issues whatsoever. Grown-up children don’t like being told what to do, and will cry over the most meaningless issues. Sadly, the grown-up children will never learn, and these issues will come back again. Seriously, life is unfair, just accept it!
Sources Cited:
DGF2099-Main Page 