Over 150 Starbucks SBUX.O stores and 3,500 workers strike next week. in the United States, a union representing the barista of the coffee chain announced on Friday after condemning the company forbade decorating the Month of Pride in their dining rooms.

Earlier this month, Starbucks Workers United said the company removed decorations and flags A month of pride across multiple stores, which some workers denounced on social media.

Starbucks on Friday denied the allegations, which it called “hoax”. He said last week that “the policy on this issue has not changed” and that he continues to urge store managers to celebrate the holiday. pride monthsubject to compliance with safety regulations.

Several major U.S. retail brands faced backlash from conservatives for displaying LGBTQ+ merchandise and then criticism from othersgay rights groups for their lack of community support after the companies gave in to pressure.

Starbucks Workers United tweeted Friday that the company’s Seattle factory, located just nine blocks from the first Starbucks store in Pike Place Market– led a nationwide strike.

Starbucks promotions they fell by 2%, up to $99.30, in the first transactions.

Starbucks, which has about 9,000 of its own stores in the United States, has seen more than 300 stores voted to unionize since the end of 2021 are in demand for higher wages and benefits.