Nation’s Restaurant News<\/a>,<\/em> Starbucks employees in Illinois, Colorado, and California have filed class-action lawsuits, claiming they were required to buy clothing that complied with the new dress code but were never reimbursed.<\/p>\nThe dress code required each Starbucks employee to wear \u201cany solid black short- or long-sleeved crewneck, collared, or button-up shirt, along with khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms in any shade.\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s important to note that, according to Starbucks, each employee was provided with two uniform shirts at no cost.<\/p>\n
In those three states, laws require companies to reimburse employees for expenses that \u201cprimarily benefit the employer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\nThat means employees were responsible for purchasing their own black, blue denim, or khaki bottoms, as well as solid black short- or long-sleeved shirts \u2014 items they say were not reimbursed.<\/span><\/p>\nWhile it may not seem like a large clothing expense, employees argue it\u2019s still money taken from their own hard-earned paychecks just to ensure a uniform look on the job \u2014 something they believe should not come out of their own pockets.<\/p>\n
When Starbucks officials were contacted about the issue, they issued a broad statement to remind everyone that they do indeed treat their employees well.<\/p>\n
“We\u2019re committed to continuing to be the best job in retail,” Starbucks said in a statement.\u00a0“Hourly partners earn an average of $30\/hour in pay and benefits, including free college, comprehensive healthcare, and up to 18 weeks of paid family leave for part-time work.”<\/p>\n\n