Weekend OPEN THREAD: Your chance to comment or ask questions

Anything Starbucks-related is open for discussion. Keep the conversation civil, please; no personal attacks. || Jump to the third page of comments.

Comments

[Liz]

to Fla SM and Asher

My husband said the same thing about call out and vacations. I was let go(as of the 30th of March) because my availability didn't meet my SM needs. Well, last weekend the closing shift called out and they couldn't find a replacement and the SM had to come in and cover, he was not happy because he was out of town and had to come back. Of course i was the closing barista and got the brunt of his unhappiness. so they deserve all they get for not keeping me..lol..this certain SM does not want to be there anymore than he has to.

[SBUX Alum Bill]

Here's the latest from the UK on SBUX:

Howard Schultz interview

[stars]

hi, I'm wondering what starbucks policy is on sm going out and drinking with store partners? Also if reported can store partners get in trouble or just the sm?

[Des]

If you are in doubt about whether or not your manager is being hinky with the optimal scheduling, just call HR. Ask for the official policy in writing and they will send it to you. If your schedule is following the new optimal but you are still being threatened with being let go, this is who you tell.

I have had very good luck with this in the past. I had some shift issues with my schedule, and HR was straight with me. The only drawback was that my much beloved DM also got a phone call, and begged me to call him first in the future. Just be forewarned that while HR will help, they'll also send out memos to your higher-ups.

[Mousie]

A question about tipping... I hit my regular Sbux 1-3 mornings during the work week, and then again early Saturday morning before heading out on errands. Those skinny hazelnut lattes go on a registered card, thus no handy coinage; on Saturdays I'll bring in a couple singles to toss into the tip jar.

Am I short-changing the weekday morning staff if they don't happen to be scheduled on Saturday mornings? In other words, are tips divided up at the end of shifts, days, or weeks?

[Have a Grande]

Tips are divided up once a week. So no matter when you put it in, everyone gets their share in the end.

[SMconpanna]

Tips are divided on a weekly basis. As long as you tip once a week, all partners who worked that week get a share of the tips :)

Example: In one week, $800 in tips are collected. In that same week, all employees worked a total of 400 hours. Divide total $$$ by total # of hours and partners will get $2 an hour.

[barist]

my manager is trying to get rid of everyone who knows enough to be unhappy about starbucks. i hope to get a new job. blah.

[Licensed Store Junkie]

Wish my job had that policy. My boss is dating a female who he recently hired into our place of employment and he regularly goes drinking with several male employees. He will "adjust" their shift if they have a hang over after one of these sessions. If you are not in the group of partiers you do not get special benefits. BTW we have a union but there is nothing in our collective bargaining agreement abt fraternization.

[tips!]

About tipping:

During the holidays, try not to tip for the entire year. Since we divide the tips weekly, based on how many hours you worked, it's slightly unfair if your regular barista, who serves up your latte most of the year, is on vacation over Xmas and completely misses out on your gratuity.

[me]

barist, sounds like Howard is your manager...

[Papi Grandito]

Hello everyone I missed you so much!!
Whats new?? Did you all miss me? Idios Mios He's BACK!!! :)

[Papi Grandito]

Although tips are shared by "Shady" shift supervisors who will not stand up to corporate and ask them for a salary. This is not fair because most of the "Shady" shifts work more than the Baristas, especially during these tough times, so Baristas are seeing lower and lower tips...disappointing.

[Papi Grandito]

Starbucks has been granted a postponement for the trial that was to begin today.
This latest announcement comes a couple months after Starbucks settled charges with the National Labor Relations Board over a wrongful termination of an IWW Starbucks Workers Union member in Grand Rapids. In that settlement, the Board allowed Starbucks to forgo a trial by agreeing to rescind the write-ups and termination of Cole Dorsey, the IWW member.
Starbucks offered $3500 to withdraw all charges from the beginning.
The Union has always maintained the only solution is full and immediate reinstatement of Dorsey to his former position.
Although the NLRB agreed Starbucks violated the law they did not require reinstatement.
That marked the third time, in two years, Starbucks signed a settlement with the NLRB claiming they would end "anti-union intimidation in Grand Rapids.
After an independent investigation the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration also found that Dorsey was wrongfully terminated for filing a safety complaint.
That trial is slated to begin April 29, 2009 9 am.
Stay Tuned.

http://starbucksunion.org

For An Organized Fair Trade Future,
Grand Rapids Starbucks Workers Union
PO Box 6629
Grand Rapids, MI 49516
6168815263

This is the latest release from Chicago:

Starbucks Union Member Laid Off After Confronting CEO and Blogging About It

Union Immediately Hits Starbucks with Legal Action at National Labor Relations Board

Chicago, IL (03-18-2009)- The Starbucks Coffee Co. informed outspoken union member and barista, Joe Tessone, yesterday that it was laying him off, just two weeks after he confronted CEO Howard Schultz over the company’s squeezing of employees. Mr. Tessone’s blog post on the encounter entitled, “Howard the Coward: The Day My Boss Ran Away” quickly became an Internet hit among fast food workers and their supporters (online at: http://www.iww.org/en/node/4618).

"When I heard Howard Schultz was in town, I knew I had to get to the store and make my voice heard as a barista and union member," said Tessone, a 4 ½ year veteran of the company with an excellent performance record. "He said he’d speak to me after his interview with the Wall Street Journal only to scurry through the emergency exit the first chance he got. I told Schultz that it was time to dialogue with union baristas and that too many of us we’re living in poverty but he showed nothing but cowardice."

Shortly after his exchange with Schultz, Tessone was ordered into a one-on-one meeting with a Starbucks Regional Director rather than the store manager who would normally administer discipline. The director warned Tessone that he was out of compliance with Starbucks’ new “Optimal Scheduling” policy which pries open baristas’ availability to work without guaranteeing any work hours. The problem with the director’s rationale: Tessone’s availability was indeed in complete compliance with Optimal Scheduling requirements which are laid out in a written policy. The same rationale was erroneously deployed by Tessone's store manager yesterday when he was laid off.

"Starbucks' claim that I was out of compliance with the policy is a fantasy; I actually exceeded its requirements," explained Tessone. "I come to work on time and work hard everyday. It’s clear that my attempt to speak with Starbucks’ anti-union CEO and the escalation of union activity at the company is what caused my termination."

This isn’t the first time that Howard Schultz lacked the fortitude to discuss Starbucks’ animosity toward labor unions and its refusal to provide stable work hours to employees. In a remarkably similar situation in 2004, Schultz hurried out of a New York City Starbucks after union barista Daniel Gross challenged him to sit down at a table and talk face-to-face.

In addition to Tessone’s firing, the Industrial Workers of the World is currently challenging several unlawful responses by Starbucks to the increase in action by the union in Chicago. These charges include allegations that Starbucks increased surveillance against baristas at a Chicago store to which the union recently expanded and illegally laid off barista Tracey Dietrich. The IWW Starbucks Workers Union has thus far defeated the coffee giant in six labor cases across three cities.

"We will continue to ensure our members are protected," says Chrissy Cogswell, a Starbucks barista in Chicago and a union organizer. "Every time the company violates workers' rights, we will seek justice."

The IWW Starbucks Workers Union (StarbucksUnion.org) is an organization of almost 300 current and former Starbucks employees united for a living wage, secure work hours, and respect on the job. Founded in 2004, the union uses direct action, litigation, and advocacy to both make systemic improvements at Starbucks and take on the company over unfair treatment of individual baristas.

Open to all working people, the Industrial Workers of the World (iww.org) is a member-operated labor union dedicated to democracy in the workplace and global solidarity.

[Papi Grandito]

The shifts sit in the back and "delegate" and do god knows what on their cell phones sexting and all!!, they have increased pay then Baristas, do less work, which results in the lower total tip income brought home by the harder working Barista...Not fair Papitos.

[BOSTON STARBUCKS REBEL]

Something tells me that Optimal Scheduling maybe a worse debacle than Chantico. Its too bad that Michelle "Lady MacBeth" Gass has not realized this. I think she is leading Uncle Howie around here.

[(former) FLA SM]

Papi: maybe you have lazy or "shady" shifts at your store, but the ones I had at my store worked their butts off and earned the slightly higher pay they received. Shifts are responsible for everything that happens in the store when a manager is not present. That includes the cash handling, the safety of the partners and customers, compliance with all local, state and federal laws and regulations, they're responsible for the QASA score if the audit takes place on their shift, etc. They have quite a number of more responsibilities than a barista and certainly are not paid enough more than a barista to justify the extra work. I'm sure there are isolated exceptions, but in general most shifts aren't "shady." They can ask corporate for a salary until they're blue in the face, but it won't happen.

By the way, aren't you also posting as "Blaze" and "Snizzle" to name a few? That seems a little "shady."

[BOSTON STARBUCKS REBEL]

I have a partner at another store who has a disability which limits there ability to work shifts longer than 6 hours. However, their ability is 100%. Under the American Disability Act, how would Optimal Scheduling effect this partner? Could they be given less hours because of their medical disability? This partner has not informed the store management yet about the full extent of the disability but does have a note from her medical doctor indicating the limitations necessary to stay in good health. She needs the insurance at Starbucks to continue to receive medical care for her condition.
Could Optimal Schedule be used as a WEAPON against partners with disabilities? We've already tried contacting the Partner Contact Center but they offered no guidance.

[BOSTON STARBUCKS REBEL]

http://www.iww.org/en/node/4618

Howard the Coward

The Starbucks Rebel Alliance does not support any movement to unionize Starbucks partners. We believe that a union would be against the Mission and Guiding Principles of Starbucks.

[BOSTON STARBUCKS REBEL]

After reading the article Howard the Coward, we are more convinced than ever that the IWW is not what Starbucks partners need. I, myself, as the Boston Starbucks Rebel, has engaged in dialogue with the IWW about the unionization of Starbucks partners and expressed our disapproval. While, we re recognize the goals of the IWW and the Starbucks Rebel Alliance are very similiar. We do not believe that unionization is the best possible method. Instead, we believe that through constructive dialogue with upper management it is possible to get better working conditions for Starbucks partners. You might say that the IWW is analogous to the Black Panthers and Malcolm X. We on the otherhand have even been approached by senior management to discuss our goals and what we see Starbucks as a company for people to work at. Although at times, our recommendations have not been put into action at the level we expected it to, we believe that we had the chance to express our views and they were willing to listen.

BOSTON STARBUCKS REBEL
PRIMUS INTER PARES
STARBUCKS REBEL ALLIANCE

[g]

I don't understand, a supervisor should always be on the floor working side-by-side with baristas.

The main job of a supervisor is to supervise the work of baristas and make sure that the policies and standards of the company, region, district, and store are being carried out.

There's really no reason for a supervisor to "sit" in the back unless they are doing deposit, calling for coverage, or performing a task delegated to them by the store manager (e.g. managing inventory).

I think since ASM's are very few now, some supervisors automatically think they are ASM's now. I have seen this first hand. Perhaps some supervisors need a reality check.

Unless a supervisor is officially being developed for management, they should stick to their actual jobs.

[sample cup]

I just wanna go on internet record that I, as a Starbucks Shift Supervisor, resent blanket generalizations that Shifts "spend all their time in the back" and are "lazy".

There are Shifts like that I'm sure, but it is mean-spirited to hear my peers make such accusations, especially anyone who seems so adamant about unionization (and the implied ideals of fairness to employees).

I especially think it rude that anyone would say that shifts do less work. We may not have many more tasks to perform but we are held more accountable than a barista. Our job *IS* to "delegate": we are SUPPOSED to look at sales and business needs in the moment, assign the partners on the floor to a deployment and give them the tools they need to perform that primary task and any secondary tasks they need to do. The shift, as MOD, is supposed to take the most flexible position (Floater in most stores, under most situations) and support the other partners so that those partners can stay "facing" and customer oriented.

If your shift isn't supporting you or is off doing things you don't think are helping baristas stay customer-oriented, bring it to their attention and if that doesn't work, then bring your concerns to your manager.

Also:
g- what examples are you thinking of when you speak negatively of Shifts acting as if they think they are ASMs?

[tcasm]

I was so bent out of shape when I got laid off... but after reading this open thread I have realized that I don't miss starbucks a bit. Labor issues, customers, "covering shift," all of that bs.

Last month Starbucks gave me one of the best gifts I have ever received: being cut loose. I have a chance to have a real life without that company and their wacky corporate policies.

Even better? I now feel less obligated to go out of my way to visit Starbucks -- I will visit the truly good independent shops in my area regularly too!

Good luck folks -- and get out soon. Let me tell you, even being unemployed is better for your mental health.

[SBUX Alum Bill]

To Boston Starbucks Rebel:

I understand & respect your reluctance to support unionization, but there's one union benefit that is sorely needed at Starbucks: the right to file grievances and have them heard. I was dismissed by Starbucks & no reason was given. I requested a copy of my personnel file, which is my right, and HR refused to produce it. I called the Starbucks hotline, and they assigned me a case number, but nothing has happened subsequent to that. No one has called, and when I followed up with my case number, I was simply told that my inquiry was sent to SBUX, and that they were supposed to contact me directly. It has been more than 4 months since my last contact, and it is clear that SBUX has buried my request. I have no recourse, and SBUX has made it clear that no one will discuss my dismissal with me. This would never happen in a unionized environment.

[Canadian Barista]

Here here, Sample Cup. Well put!

I admit; there are times when I stand out back and not do any work. All of us have. And when I do do it, there's no customers and business is slow.

But to put -all- shifts into a generalization stating that we don't do any work, is wrong.

I've worked at Starbucks for almost 3 years full time, 2/3 of that as a shift. And I can honestly say that ever since I was promoted, my work ethic has only improved. I work hard and I take pride in what I accomplish.

So yeah. While there may be some exceptions, we are not all like that.

[Former Ga Mgr]

SBUX Alum Bill - sure youre not from Ga? When I requested to see my file to verify its contents, I was told by HR that there were 2 files. One which contained review, corretive actions, etc and then there was an "investigation" file that I couldnt review then or ever at all. My DM fired me with some BS reason and when I appealed being denied unemployment, the Dept of Labor sent me copies of everything the DM submitted. She gave misleading information and I had 4 managers willing to testify that what she said was false and they were instructed that under no circumstances were they to testify. Needless to say, no one showed up on the call and I got my unemployment. The first document I got from the DOL that stated the reason for separation, didnt contain the full statement, only partial. When I appealed, the statement they sent had the full statement and it was a doozie. Sorry to ramble. Hope this helps.

[SBUX Alum Bill]

Former GA Manager:

I'm from Seattle, but my experience was very similar to yours. Glad to hear that you prevailed on your unemployment coverage, and I hope that you found a much more fulfilling job!

[Nanaimo]

What this about Oct vacation cut-off for store managers? I haven't heard anyting about it.

[Richard]

Tomorrow is my last day. Thank god.

[g]

I promise I wasn't generalizing anything I said in an earlier post. I was just responding to a previous post made by someone else. I used to be a supervisor so I know all too well what it's like to be generalized that we're all lazy and sit in the backroom. I think those who say this don't have a full understanding of what supervisors actually do.

samplecup: There is someone I know who lately has assumed that they are a de facto assistant manager because their store lost there ASM a couple of months ago. Someone who posted earlier talked about supervisors being bossy and this just came to mind.

[Former Ga Manager]

SBUX Alumni Bill - Thanks. I did. I didn't know that there was another world outside of Starbucks or how miserable I was. At least PR is consistant with what they tell us. Still, 2 different files? That's a new one. I was so blind, I emailed Howard about what happened. I seriously thought he would care. Right, still waitng for a response. He's definately not the man he's portrayed to be. I hope all has worked out for you as well.

(former) FLA Manager - sorry to hear what happened. It's definately for the best. You deserve better anyway. Good luck with your interviews

[sample cup]

G- I understand; sorry, I got a bit defensive.

Canadian Barista - yeah, I hear ya, sometimes I let myself and my baristas on the clock with me slack off.

[g]

No need to apologize. In fact, I didn't think you were defensive at all.

I think it's great that we, partners, have a website like this where we can come and talk about something that we all have in common. I admit I probably spend more time on this site than I should, but I can't help it, it's a guilty pleasure!

On a side note:
I haven't heard from Melody in awhile.

[Freed Peaberry]

So today I happened to hear an ASM telling someone that all of the stores are being highly scrutinized because the closure list is in a constant stage of revisement and they will have little notice of closure (not exactly those words).

I also noticed that the baristas seemed deer in headlights-ish and their pastry cart was full of boxes. No one looked like they were enjoying themselves and it made me really sad. They put on Trooper Face, but I got a glimpse here and there of the facade cracking. I haven't walked into a store since I quit so seeing this was a little surprising. I wonder if I looked like that and just didn't notice.

Are ALL stores being looked over with a fine tooth comb or just stores that might be potential closures front runners?

I'm very sorry about the state of things. Yes, I know, you should all be happy you still have a job, BUT there is a toll that can be taken one's physical and emotional well being when someone is in an unsavory position. I now feel more for the folks still toughing it out than I am for myself at the luck of getting out.

Keep that face on guys.

[ex coffee wench]

re. vacation

it's a use it or lose it policy. use all your vaction before oct.1 or it is gone. some states this is not the rule. so check you local hr to find out.

[Melody]

@ g - just a combo of things. My cage was a little rattled after the annual meeting and I've been quite busy lately with not much to say.

But here's an interesting link I stumbled upon tonight!

http://ahmedschunks.blogspot.com/2009/03/what-howard-schultz-said-about.html

^ Mr. Schultz was in London today it seems, and it looks like he sort of had an impromptu interview on the topic of Israel & Palestine. Interesting topic.

------

Do you realize it's been almost a full year of Pike Place Roast? There have been countless people talking about wanting variety at MSI, and I realize that a year has gone by, and obviously I've lost that battle. If I were going to manage to affect some change with my contributions at MSI and million and one emails, it would have happened by now. But we're 2 weeks shy of an entire year of PPR. That speaks volumes.

Right now, the number one theme at MSI seems to be "give me a discount; I deserve something for free but pay your employees more, make sure you're a good environmental steward, remodel the stores with more comfy furnishings, sell made in the usa cups & mugs, and keep your stores spotless with more labor."

I'm pretty exhausted by the "I don't want to pay so much theme" going on at MSI right now. You get what you pay for in life.

This right here is my most recent thread on PPR:

http://mystarbucksidea.force.com/ideaView?id=087500000005J1mAAE

I hope maybe a few of you guys here will vote on it, but after a full year of PPR, you're surely tired of talking about it too. I feel like I'm limited to stores with a Clover right now.

[Coveryourshift]

A new and up coming online service is being engineered to help with the issues faced with shift coverage needs.

[Mysticboi]

The discussion about shift supervisors...some are lazy, some are bossy, some are slow. Then you get the ones that are all of the above and think they are high quality shit by teaching you how to do your job but in fact that have absolute no clue. Those are the worst. There are good shifts, but I've seen my fair share of bad ones as well.

[Sedg]

If you have a staff member who thinks you, as a shift, are lazy, and you're not (or you think you're not) - teach that staffer your job. I've done it with two or three people, both at the bux and elsewhere, and they've never complained again.

A lot of times, people don't understand what the shifts have to do.

[BleedGreen]

Nanaimo, ex-coffee wench:

The October vacation cut-off happens every year. SM's are granted Vacation time based on tenure with the company. We have the entire fiscal year (Oct 1 - Sep 30) to use our vacation. Any remaining vacation time does not carry over to the next year and you do lose it. However, it is re-granted in the next fiscal year. How long were, have you been managers?

[BleedGreen]

Melody,

You are awfully lucky to be in an area with a Clover. I wish the mid-west had one. I would love to taste a cup... especially with my ever-so-missed Sulawesi.

[SMconpanna]

The October vacation cut-off is only applicable in a handful of states. The list is in the partner handbook under vacation time. Otherwise, in the other 40+ states, our vacation time rolls over. In the 40+ states, you simply max out at a certain number of hours so just make sure if you are about to max out, use some of your vacation time! For managers with 3-5 years of service (regardless of your position during that time) you max out at 120 hours. After 5 years, it goes up to 160 hours.

[ex coffee wench]

bleed green
i was a sm for 11 years before i got smart and jumped ship. so yes i do know what i am talking about. i was also a sm in 2 different states and yes there are 2 different rules...when i was in Il. your vacation rolled over up to your allowed amount for your tenure.mine was 160 hours then it stoppped until i used some. when i moved to Fl it was use it or lose it.

[BOSTON STARBUCKS REBEL]

BleedGreen,
I had the last cup of Sulawesi the other day. It was heavenly.

[FR bux]

I close/open every single week, usually twice a week. My manager pretends to not realize until the night of the close when she calls to check in she always says..."who's opening tomorrow" and when I say me she says "ohh, you're closing and opening, I'm sorry"

when I read the schedule I always tell her and she says her famous line "I'll take care of it" nothing ever happens and I end up getting stuck with it

[SBUX Alum Bill]

I put this in another thread, but I think it's very interesting & relevant to SBUX, so I'm also posting it here:

McDonalds McCafe Line Exceeding Expectations...and the competition intensifies...It looks like the McCafe rollout is ahead of schedule, with Smoothies & "Frappe's" coming soon! If I was Howie, I'd be very concerned!

[mama needs sanani]

fr bux if you do not have eight hours between your shifts then your sm is breaking federal labor laws and most state laws as well. call business conduct hotline if it ever happens again and turn them in. end of line for screwing over staff.

[SBUX Alum Bill]

Former GA Manager:

I think I'm very close to landing a new job at a higher salary, so I think I'll be fine. I'm still very disillusioned, however, about my SBUX experience. I took a pay cut to join the company largely because I believed that the company took "respect & dignity" for its "partners" very seriously. They cut me off without warning, without explanation, without any severance and without any available method to review their action. I contacted the Starbucks ethics line & wrote two emails to Howard, mistakenly believing that he cared, and no one has offered any response or any explanation. The one HR person that I was able to talk to made it clear that my case would not be reviewed & that no one would discuss it with me. "Respect & dignity" at SBUX is a fraud!

[Dolce]

MY ASM prank called me during a closing shift. He went on for 3 solid minutes pretending to be a customer who ordered an extra hot latte 2 days prior, arguing that it was currently no longer hot enough and he wanted drink coupons. Somehow he managed to hold an accent, maintain persistence, not burst out laughing, and finally I got so flabbergasted and ran out of explanations why we couldn't give him free drinks now. Finally, he said, "did you not realize it was me the whole time?" and i was pretty floored, and said, "you took your pain meds, didn't you?" "yup" BUT - it could work as a great April Fool's joke. You can ask your coworker for reservations in the lobby. Ask them if Starbucks offers take-out...

[mlaffitte]

Thought you might be interested in this BusinessWeek article about Nespresso trying to lure away SBUX drinkers.

http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/mar2009/gb20090324_886251.htm?chan=globalbiz_europe+index+page_companies