Workers believe the new policy diverts attention from the real issues the international coffee conglomerate needs to address, said Mikael Makoyii Melendez, a supervisor at the picketing Starbucks store.

Hundreds of Starbucks baristas are walking out across the country after the coffee chain enforced a new dress code policy this week.

The company promised to provide staff with two free black T-shirts, which the union is claiming many employees have not yet received.