Starbucks Employees Up In Arms Over Apparent Policy On Engagement Rings
SEATTLE, WA (CBS) – Starbucks is coming under fire for a supposed dress code policy some feel is unfair, particularly towards women.
According to an infographic on the Starbucks website depicting the company's numerous rules for employees, jewelry is prohibited "for safety rules, no really."
"There are food safety rules we have to live by," the company writes. "Here's the fine print – wearing a ring is okay if it's a plain band, no stones."
No watches, bracelets or wristbands are allowed, and small necklaces can be worn if they're tucked into your shirt.
But it's the "plain band, no stones" part of the ring policy that has some up in arms because of the implications it has for women who want to wear their engagement ring or a more elaborate wedding band on the job.
In response, unhappy employees and consumers took to social media to protest the implied engagement ring ban:
So a girl isn't allowed to wear her engagement ring to work? http://t.co/7i2A3FaNnV #starbucks #ridiculous????
— Megan Clemens (@Megan_Clemens) November 5, 2014
#Starbucks is placing a ban on engagement rings as part of #dresscode Sounds harsh, but I wouldn't want to lose my ring!
— Jennifer Thompson (@_JenniferChelle) November 5, 2014
Of course, some don't understand what all the fuss is about.
why is everyone so mad about #starbucks new dress code? like why would you want to wear your expensive engagement ring while cleaning etc?
— Taylor (@tee__mo) November 4, 2014
While the Starbucks dress code does appear to have a problem with fancy rings -- at least according to the infographic -- that's hardly the company's only restriction on employees' dress and appearance. "Unnatural" hair colors such as pink or green are prohibited, and workers are not allowed to wear nail polish "because it can chip off and fall into our food or beverages." The company also has a "less is more" policy when it comes to piercings -- no more than two per ear, and only small nose studs are allowed.
Recently, Starbucks also came under fire for its no tattoos policy. That was recently changed, but Starbucks still forbids workers to have body art on their face or throat.
How do you feel about a possible "ban" on engagement rings or elaborate wedding bands at Starbucks? Weigh in on our Facebook page!
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