Wachiwit/iStock(SEATTLE) — At a time when so many Americans are facing employment uncertainty amid the COVID-19 outbreak, Starbucks is assuring its employees at least one month of relief. Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson announced Friday that the coffee chain would pay employees for the next 30 days, whether they work or not.
As Starbucks moves company-owned stores in the U.S. to a primarily drive-through-only model, all partners (employees) will be paid for the next 30 days whether able to come to work or making the personal choice to stay at home. https://t.co/U5M01tcwDL pic.twitter.com/wJcFXOVG5A
— Starbucks News (@StarbucksNews) March 20, 2020
Starbucks closed all of its company-operated stores across the U.S. and Canada and shifted to a drive-thru only model, but said that “whether or not their store is closed, or they are otherwise unable, or even uncomfortable” employees will still be paid. “We believe no partner should be asked to choose between work and their health,” Johnson said in a letter to employees.Johnson added, “It is the responsibility of every business to care for its employees during this time of uncertainty, shared sacrifice, and common cause. I hope to see many business leaders across this country doing all they can to retain jobs, pay employees, continue benefits, and demonstrate compassion as they make critical decisions. Not every decision is a financial one.”Read the full letter here.
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