June 23 Reuters More than 150 Starbucks stores and 3,500 workers will be on strike next week across the United States, the union representing the coffee chain39;s baristas said on Friday, after it claimed the company had banned Pride Month decorations at its cafes.

Starbucks Workers United union said earlier this month the company took down Pride Month decorations and flags at several stores, while some workers took to social media to report the same.

Starbucks on Friday denied the claims as false information. It said last week there had been no change to any policy on this matter and that it was still encouraging store managers to celebrate Pride Month as long as store safety guidelines were followed.

Several major U.S. retail brands have faced backlash from conservatives over displays of LGBTQ merchandise, and following that, criticism from gay rights groups for insufficient support for the community after the companies relented under pressure from conservatives.

U.S. retailer Target has moved displays of, or even pulled some Pride merchandise off shelves, and AnheuserBusch InBev39;s sales of its Bud Light beer have fallen in recent weeks over efforts to market to the transgender community.

Starbucks Workers United said on Friday in a tweet the company39;s Seattle Roastery located just nine blocks from Starbucks39; first ever store at the Pike Place Market was leading the nationwide strike.

Shares of the company were down about 2 at 99.10 in premarket trading….