Starbucks workers in three states, including Illinois, have taken legal action against the coffee giant, saying it violated the law when it changed its dress code this spring but refused to reimburse employees who had to buy new clothes.

The employees, who are backed by the union organizing Starbucks’ workers, filed class-action lawsuits Wednesday in state court in Illinois and Colorado. Workers also filed complaints with California’s Labor and Workforce Development Agency. If the agency decides not to seek penalties against Starbucks, the workers intend to file a class-action lawsuit in California, according to the complaints.

“Starbucks’ new dress code has forced all of us to pay out of pocket for required clothing. We face punishment if we don’t comply, yet the company isn’t covering

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