Starbucks Workers Win Big: $35M Settlement for Unfair Schedules

Starbucks is in hot water after a big settlement. They have to pay $35 million to over 15, 000 workers in New York City. This is the largest settlement of its kind in the city's history. The issue? Starbucks was accused of not giving workers stable schedules and cutting hours without warning. Workers who were employed from July 2021 to July 2024 will get $50 for each week they worked. That could mean a big chunk of change for some. For example, someone who worked for a year and a half could get $3, 900. The city says this is about treating workers with dignity and giving them the stability they need. The city started looking into Starbucks after getting dozens of complaints. They found over half a million violations of the Fair Workweek Law. This law is supposed to make sure workers get predictable schedules and notice when changes happen. But Starbucks was found to be cutting hours by 15% or more and not letting workers pick up extra shifts. One barista, Kai Fritz, said the unpredictable schedules made it hard to pay rent, tuition, or take care of families. Many workers had to get second jobs just to make ends meet. The settlement also means workers who were laid off can get their jobs back at other locations. Starbucks Workers United, the union representing many of these workers, called this a big victory. They've been fighting for better hours, pay, and restitution for what they say are union-busting tactics. The union plans to keep an eye on Starbucks to make sure they follow the rules. Starbucks says the settlement is about compliance, not unpaid wages. They say they're committed to following the Fair Workweek Law but admit it's challenging. One worker, Kai Fritz, plans to save the money or use it for a down payment on an apartment. They said saving money while working at Starbucks is almost impossible.