Thousands of Starbucks employees across the United States are taking a stand by going on strike, demanding fair treatment and the right to decorate their cafes for Pride Month. The company’s ban on Pride Month decorations at select locations has sparked outrage among its workforce.

Starbucks Workers United, the union representing over 3,000 employees in approximately 150 unionized stores, announced that a week-long strike is set to commence, aiming to secure improved pay, benefits, and fair labor contracts. The strikes coincide with Pride Month celebrations and serve as a powerful statement, highlighting the intersection of workers’ rights with queer and trans rights.

At the heart of the dispute are allegations that numerous Starbucks managers prevented employees from displaying Pride Month flags and decorations, or even removed them altogether. The union claims that the company’s response to the situation has been dismissive, while Starbucks maintains that it has not made any policy changes, insisting that it encourages store managers to celebrate Pride Month within safety guidelines.

This strike comes at a time when retailers face mounting challenges concerning LGBTQ+ equality. Other prominent brands, like Target, have faced backlash from conservatives over the display of LGBTQ+ merchandise. Shareholders are taking notice, with New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli raising concerns about how companies are managing corporate risks related to LGBTQ+ equality and supporting their LGBTQ+ employees.

In addition to the Pride Month controversy, Starbucks is also grappling with numerous complaints lodged at the National Labor Relations Board. Allegations include firing union supporters and shutting down stores during labor campaigns. Since late 2021, workers at over 300 U.S. Starbucks locations have voted to unionize.

As the flagship Seattle Roastery kickstarts the nationwide strike dubbed “Strike with Pride,” Starbucks finds itself at the center of a battle for workers’ rights and LGBTQ+ inclusivity.

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