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Starbucks, that ubiquitous high-end coffee company based in Seattle, has long tried to convey an image of corporate social responsibility. But that reputation is being put through the wringer by a messy labor dispute with workers – known as baristas – who wish to unionize. According to Businessweek:
The National Labor Relations Board found on Dec. 23 that Starbucks had illegally fired three New York City baristas as it tried to squelch the union organizing effort. The 88-page ruling also says the company broke the law by giving negative job evaluations to other union supporters and prohibiting employees from discussing union issues at work. The judge ordered that the three baristas be reinstated and receive back wages.
This ruling does not come at a good time for Starbucks which has recently seen a decline in its stock price, a loss of its customer base, and has had to close a number of stores.
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