Thousands of workers at more than 200 U.S Starbucks locations went on the largest strike in company history in December 2023. Starbucks faced many accusations of disagreeing with society supporting the Palestinian people. Social Media platforms blew up with this controversy as many people shared their opinions about the boycotting. Starbucks workers are asking for wage increases as well as better working conditions. They also called out Starbucks for their unfair labor. To try and fight back, Starbucks has also been offering more deals to their customers like half priced drinks on certain days. People have been suggesting supporting local coffee shops and other small owned businesses, rather than chain coffee shops.
Starbucks was known to have made some awful statements about condemning violence and the loss of innocent lives. They replied by stating: “[w]e have worked with local authorities to ensure our partners and customers are safe. Nothing is more important. Our stance is clear”. They made a response aimed at distancing themselves from political status and focusing on their customers. Starbucks said that the social media posts led to upset and hurt customers taking their emotions out on the employees in their stores and sending messages to company and staff.
Starbucks' value dropped dramatically, by nearly 11 billion the past month. More than thousands of workers have left their jobs behind because they felt guilty of working for the company. The drama about Starbucks does not stop at just the customers. Starbucks filed several lawsuits against the union for the use of their logos. The association with the media was damaging Starbucks reputation and putting its workers in danger.
The lawsuits show how the company and its workers have had their 2 sides of conflict for years. Even though there are many tensions going around the world regarding Starbucks, there is hope to find peace and a solution through these problems.