Howard Schultz shares a message with Starbucks partners following the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas.

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My heart is heavy for Uvalde today. I know many of us are deeply saddened, outraged and confused, and we are all thinking of the families and communities impacted by this senseless tragedy.

To be honest, we have been here too many times before, grieving as a nation. Just ten days ago, a gunman opened fire in a Buffalo grocery store, targeting African Americans and killing 10 people. The next day, a man shot at Asian American seniors at a church in Laguna Woods, CA. And it is not lost on me that today marks the two-year anniversary of the senseless murder of George Floyd.

I want to first share that our partners in Uvalde have our full support. We have one store near Robb Elementary School, and I am grateful that our partners are safe. That said, I know this tragedy, like the one in Buffalo, hit close for partners with friends and family in the community. I heard yesterday that our Uvalde partners, even in the face of unimaginable pain, came together to close the store to serve first responders and families, while bringing water and food to nearby hospitals. In Buffalo, our partners came together to provide coffee at a memorial for the victims and volunteered at nearby food banks. To the partners who step up in these moments – thank you. Your generosity and care inspire us all to choose love, over hatred, in times like these. I am so proud to be your partner.

As a company, we are taking this time to hear from partners, learn from experts, and examine additional steps we can take. We are already exploring donations and support for victims and their families in Uvalde, Buffalo and Laguna Woods. And as we all support one another, we urge lawmakers to come together, in a bipartisan way, to address issues around gun and community safety. We also encourage partners to use their own voice – write or call your elected officials and <a href="https://www.starbuckspartnersvote.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">make a plan</a> to vote in your upcoming elections. We will also continue to prioritize de-escalation and active shooter trainings for partners. I want to also remind you about benefits like Lyra – I have heard from many partners that having someone to talk to in the aftermath of these traumatic events can be helpful.

I know there is always more we can do, as a company and as individuals. I want to hear your ideas. We will host a Partner Open Forum tomorrow to share how we are feeling and continue this conversation. I have included a list of additional resources below.

We must continue to <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2013/open-letter-from-howard/">stand together</a> to rise above hatred, indifference, and cowardice. And as we do, please know you have the support of your fellow partners as you search to comprehend this senseless violence. I also know that in times like these, this community of Starbucks partners finds ways to lift one another up, to be a safe space for sharing, to come together in unity. Please take care of one another, and know that together, we will always choose love.

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Howard Schultz shares a message with Starbucks partners following the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas.

A message to partners from Howard: Safe Communities

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As we mentioned on March 8, we have suspended all business activity in Russia, including shipment of all Starbucks products. Starbucks has made the decision to exit and no longer have a brand presence in the market.&nbsp;We will continue to support the nearly 2,000 green apron partners in Russia, including pay for six months and assistance for partners to transition to new opportunities outside of Starbucks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Letter to partners from Kevin Johnson on Ukraine:

As I communicated Friday, we condemn the horrific attacks on Ukraine by Russia and our hearts go out to all those affected.&nbsp;

We continue to watch the tragic events unfold and, today, we have decided to suspend all business activity in Russia, including shipment of all Starbucks products. Our licensed partner has agreed to immediately pause store operations and will provide support to the nearly 2,000 partners in Russia who depend on Starbucks for their livelihood.

Through this dynamic situation, we will continue to make decisions that are true to our mission and values and communicate with transparency. Thank you for the care and concern you are sharing with me and your leaders.

As always, I’m extremely proud to be your partner.

Letter to partners from Kevin Johnson on Ukraine:

We condemn the unprovoked, unjust and horrific attacks on Ukraine by Russia, and our hearts go out to all those affected.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The invasion and humanitarian impact of this war are devastating and create a ripple effect that is felt throughout the world. I know this is weighing emotionally on so many of you, especially those with family and friends in the region.

While Starbucks does not have cafés in Ukraine, we do have 130 stores in Russia that are wholly owned and operated by a licensed partner. And I want to express deep care for the livelihoods of our 2,000 green apron partners in Russia.&nbsp;

In times like these, as a company and as partners, we strive to never be a bystander. Partners’ perspectives continue to help inform the actions we will take, which I want to begin sharing with you all today.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

First, we will donate any royalties we receive from our business operations in Russia to humanitarian relief efforts for Ukraine. Second, The Starbucks Foundation has contributed $500,000 to World Central Kitchen and the Red Cross for humanitarian relief efforts for Ukraine. And third, our EMEA business will continue to work in the market to support people in need through additional financial contributions and service.

As this dynamic situation continues to unfold, we will listen and take additional steps to support all our partners and communities. We will let you know as we have more to share.&nbsp;

I want to thank you all for your deep care and connection to one another and your communities during these challenging times.

Like you, my heart is heavy – and I want you to know that no matter what, we stand together, as partners.

Starbucks has made the decision to exit and no longer have a brand presence in the market. 

Update to Starbucks partners on our business in Russia

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In a letter to Starbucks partners, Sara Kelly, acting evp, Partner Resources, shares our commitment to ensuring our partners always have access to quality healthcare – regardless of where you live or what you believe.

I’m sure many of you are seeing that the U.S. Supreme Court made its decision to overturn Roe v. Wade today. Even though we have prepared for this scenario, personally and as a company, I know this decision leaves many of you disheartened or in shock. &nbsp;

We all need to process this in our own way, and as you do, here is what I want you to know: no matter where you live, or what you believe, we will always ensure you have access to quality healthcare. And when legislative actions impact your access to healthcare, we will work on ways to make you feel supported.

That’s why we have provided partners enrolled in Starbucks healthcare plan a medical travel reimbursement benefit to access an abortion, and coming soon, access to gender-affirming care. You can learn more about that benefit in my message from last week, and also on the <a href="https://s2.bl-1.com/h/dqDg8gT4?url=https://departments.starbucks.com/sites/partnerfamilysupport/en-us/Pages/medical-travel-reimbursement.aspx">Partner Hub.</a>&nbsp;The impacts of this decision are complex and our Starbucks Advocates are dedicated to working directly with partners year-round with questions about healthcare coverage. They are a knowledgeable resource and a free and confidential service for our partners.&nbsp;

We are here to support you partners and thank you for taking care of one another in this moment.

In anticipation of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision&nbsp;on Roe v. Wade,&nbsp;<a href="https://l.workplace.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fs2.bl-1.com%2Fh%2FdqDg8b42%3Furl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fstories.starbucks.com%252Fpress%252F2022%252Fletter-to-starbucks-partners-ensuring-access-to-healthcare%252F&amp;h=AT23atyBfo8HigKiY93oNm6uTBLDBXPFqaJizaCuN9SRe20EH9z75ARN28TKyFClTAay8BwEo8xe3nplIkqgYz1R1ijzogCpp3aaa_8Q3Fm9xuxwehMQs9X7sRw1Y9czS9R0kTfHL8GvRv4fm1htOA&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c%5b0%5d=AT2UKaSbKX1ZQzvGXVLELH7lij4hz5DfugFvIHaSYQTVAMBKvPS-S_04L8s5IMZhWOWKJF7svXSE2xxvBgo0WZ6wDS-dXrKufGNWpNA3z5ngRupvMspEs9isuPVJ2vRHJ-5s9QXQ6grZK0S0RtaZT0D_BE_jUzDzIBEI4pKYOCyPQTnBKL0MwW5FFfVziIBak1QrGC9yg_o" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in May we shared</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;we will always strive to ensure our partners have access to quality healthcare. When legislative actions impact your access to healthcare we will work on ways to make you feel supported. That’s why&nbsp;starting today,&nbsp;we will provide partners enrolled in Starbucks healthcare plan a medical travel reimbursement benefit to access an abortion.

This benefit will support eligible partners (and their eligible dependents) who are enrolled in a Starbucks medical plan, cannot legally access an abortion in their state of residence and do not have a provider available within 100 miles of their home. You can read full details of this benefit and how to access it on the&nbsp;<a href="https://l.workplace.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fs2.bl-1.com%2Fh%2FdqDg8gT4%3Furl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fdepartments.starbucks.com%252Fsites%252Fpartnerfamilysupport%252Fen-us%252FPages%252Fmedical-travel-reimbursement.aspx&amp;h=AT3z7JPIfdRGQKKSVWDw7NPNgijfDozB3oDq8xtAfOy44CpJeH86alcG8HCb8inhLvYgBSsGB9FdrtrK3LZKCYydbSVhJdPuoGj3r0jQlOUUE3P9bhkXGbjRuFQ6osZGQK9BeH4CEmTud0OdrbqHew&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c%5b0%5d=AT2UKaSbKX1ZQzvGXVLELH7lij4hz5DfugFvIHaSYQTVAMBKvPS-S_04L8s5IMZhWOWKJF7svXSE2xxvBgo0WZ6wDS-dXrKufGNWpNA3z5ngRupvMspEs9isuPVJ2vRHJ-5s9QXQ6grZK0S0RtaZT0D_BE_jUzDzIBEI4pKYOCyPQTnBKL0MwW5FFfVziIBak1QrGC9yg_o" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Partner Hub.</a>

We know some partners may also face legislative barriers when it comes to accessing gender affirming procedures and we are working on the details for the medical travel reimbursement benefit for gender-affirming procedures now. Part of why this one is taking a little longer to finalize is that we want to make sure we account for the fact that there are more procedures to consider as part of this benefit. We will share an update on this as soon as possible.

As we work through these details, we’re unfortunately seeing some misinformation that Starbucks will take benefits away from partners who are in the petitioning process. Here are the facts we want you to know:

Partners, thank you for the perspectives these last few weeks, including from those of you in our partner networks. I want to also thank you for continuing to listen and engage with one another with empathy and kindness, given the diverse views amongst us. Together, we can continue to make progress on critical benefits like these and find ways to support one another.

Like many of you, I’m deeply concerned by the draft Supreme Court opinion related to the constitutional right to abortion that was first established by Roe v. Wade. I know this is weighing on many of you, so let me be clear up front – regardless of what the Supreme Court ends up deciding, we will always ensure our partners have access to quality healthcare. And when actions impact your access to healthcare, we will work on a way to make sure you feel supported.

Today I’m announcing that we are expanding our U.S. healthcare benefit to further protect your personal health decisions. Regardless of where you live or what you believe, partners enrolled in Starbucks healthcare will now be offered reimbursement for eligible travel expenses when accessing abortion or gender-affirming procedures when those services are not available within 100 miles of a partner’s home. This benefit will also apply to dependents of partners enrolled in Starbucks healthcare.

Whatever healthcare choice you believe is right for you and your family, you deserve access to those services and the benefits that Starbucks provides. We offer industry-leading benefits, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2022/starbucks-commitment-to-quality-healthcare-and-support-for-our-partners/">including many benefits that support partners in planning for their future</a>, including:

At Starbucks, we have 240,000 U.S. partners with diverse views. That’s okay, because it’s what makes us Starbucks. My hope is that we will continue to honor and respect one another. And, together, we’ll become better listeners and learners – finding ways to support one another, as we always have. Because that’s what it means to be a partner.

Thank you to the perspectives and ideas shared by many of you, including those in our partner networks. Our Benefits team is working on the specifics and timing of our benefit expansion and we look forward to sharing more updates soon.

In a letter to Starbucks partners, Sara Kelly, acting evp, Partner Resources, shares our commitment to ensuring our partners always have access to quality healthcare – regardless of where you live or what you believe.

Letter to Starbucks Partners: Ensuring Access to Healthcare

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A letter to Starbucks partners from Dennis Brockman, chief global inclusion and diversity officer

We are committed to creating a safe, brave place where you are valued. That includes your right to self-identify in your own way and to be addressed by your preferred or chosen name and pronouns.

We unfortunately live in a time where our LGBTQIA2+ community continues to face hate and uncertainty. We know this is hurtful and may be weighing on many of you. I want you to know that we see you, and we stand with you.

In times like these, our responsibility to create welcoming environments feels more important than ever. It’s why we have <a href="https://s2.bl-1.com/h/dpVwd9mV?url=https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2019/starbucks-pride-a-long-legacy-of-lgbtq-inclusion/">stood up for our LGBTQIA2+ partners for more than 30 years</a> – from inclusive health coverage, to expanding voluntary self-identification for partners, to supporting organizations like Human Rights Campaign and National Center for Transgender Equality. And we continue to <a href="https://s2.bl-1.com/h/dpVwdF8X?url=https://www.hrc.org/resources/business-coalition-for-equality">advocate in support of the Equality Act</a> and <a href="https://www.hrc.org/resources/business-statement-on-anti-lgbtq-state-legislation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oppose the discriminatory policies</a> and actions we’ve seen proposed in many states around the country.

I want to also be very honest in saying we haven’t always gotten this right – and we are committed to turning setbacks into opportunities that are meaningful to your partner experience – like launching pronoun pins across U.S. Retail this summer, expanding our self-ID options, and updating internal systems like Partner Central so they reflect partners’ preferred or chosen names and pronouns. And as we continue to make improvements, we will need your partnership and guidance when we fall short.

I invite you to join us. Here are some ways you can help make a difference:

Additionally, as part of our ongoing efforts to create a brave space for partners to have candid discussions we will be bringing together a panel of partners and advocates engaged in the pursuit for social justice. Please join me in April for a Real Talk discussion on how we continue to support our LGBTQIA2+ partners and communities and ways you can get involved.

I know that the ongoing uncertainty can feel deeply personal, and it’s okay to need to talk to someone. All U.S. partners have access to mental health care options at <a href="https://s2.bl-1.com/h/dpVwfvLq?url=https://retailstarbucks1com-my.sharepoint.com/personal/badkins_starbucks_com/Documents/Microsoft%20Teams%20Chat%20Files/lyrahealth.com/starbucks">Lyra</a>. And remember, discrimination and harassment, including intentional misgendering, have no place at Starbucks. If you need support, please call Partner Relations.

Partners, we are in this together and we are committed to doing our part in caring for you and driving real change. Thank you for being part of the journey.

Dennis Brockman (he/him/his) svp, chief global inclusion and diversity officer

That includes your right to self-identify in your own way and to be addressed by your chosen name and pronoun.

Starbucks commitment to LGBTQIA2+: A safe third place where you are seen, heard and valued

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A year ago, I signaled to the Starbucks Board of Directors that as the pandemic neared an end, I would consider retirement. Well, that day has come.&nbsp;

As I make this transition, we are very fortunate to have our founder, Howard Schultz, who is able to step in on an interim basis, giving the Board time to further explore potential candidates and make the right long-term succession decision for the company.&nbsp;

When I say that Starbucks has been a gift in my life, I am really talking about all of you — all Starbucks partners, past and present, around the world.&nbsp;

Today is my 14th Annual Meeting of Shareholders, first as a member of the Board of Directors, then as coo, and the past five years as ceo.&nbsp;

Today’s Annual Meeting will also be my last as a Starbucks partner.&nbsp;

I want to express my gratitude for all that you do and for all that you have taught me about this wonderful company.&nbsp;

You are the heartbeat of Starbucks and together, we are united around a common Mission – a purpose that goes beyond the pursuit of profit – to inspire and nurture the human spirit, one person, one cup, one neighborhood at a time.&nbsp;

Together, we live a set of values that embody compassion, empathy, and support of each other. As partners we work in service of each other, our customers, and our communities.&nbsp;

And to you, my Starbucks partners, I want to offer a heartfelt thank you.&nbsp;

You welcomed me in your stores around the world. We shared stories together in hundreds of partner roundtables and open forums. You taught me what it means to be a partner. When visiting stores, I often put on the green apron and stepped behind the bar where you would indulge me in a beverage “throw down” challenge. I know you let me win some of those flat white competitions! Please know that I have fond memories of making beverages together, laughing together, and sharing stories with one another. Fond memories of how we overcame challenges and pursued opportunity… together.&nbsp;

You are the heartbeat of Starbucks, Our Starbucks, and it has been an honor working in service of YOU!&nbsp;

As always, I am filled with gratitude and optimism for the future of Starbucks.&nbsp;

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Starbucks ceo Kevin Johnson expresses gratitude as he announces retirement after 13 years.

A message of thanks to partners from Kevin: Starbucks has been a gift in my life

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Starbucks ceo Kevin Johnson expresses gratitude as he announces his retirement.

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In a letter to U.S. partners, chief global inclusion and diversity officer Dennis Brockman reflects on Starbucks ongoing journey to be a more inclusive, welcoming third place.

Dear Partners, I was exposed to the realities of Jim Crow at an early age.&nbsp; Segregation, disparities in health, wealth, housing, and employment weren’t an anomaly, they were life. The idea that a young Black boy could dream of one day going to college and aspire to be something great existed in my home with my mother and siblings, in my church, and within my community, but the dream often stopped there.&nbsp; Like many Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), we’re encouraged to dream big and then we’re taught to keep those dreams to ourselves out of fear that someone might question our desire for more – our desire for true freedom and autonomy. It wasn’t until the Civil Rights Movement, spearheaded in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s by leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Cesar Chavez, Yuri Kochiyama, Marsha P. Johnson, Madonna Thunder Hawk, Judith Ellen "Judy" Heumann, and hundreds of others, that this country began to witness a shift in racial and other discriminatory attitudes. These efforts influenced policies to address school segregation, unfair employment and housing laws, and voter suppression practices, but the movement did not put an end to the narrative of racial and social inequity deeply embedded in this country’s history.

Fast forward several decades, and we’ve welcomed a new era of civil rights activists and community leaders, many of whom are our partners, who face 21st century social justice issues such as the senseless murder of George Floyd, the unexplainable violence against Asian Americans, the disproportionate toll COVID-19 has had on Latinx and Black people, a slew of anti-transgender legislation, and the millions of refugees, undocumented, and displaced people around the world.&nbsp; Sadly, the list can go on and on. While I wish I had the antidote to dismantle systemic discrimination, I do not. But I do believe in the power of civic engagement and role it plays in social change. And I have faith in knowing that more than 50 years ago, a different kind of company was born that put people at the center. And these people, our partners, have been a catalyst for change in the U.S. and around the world.&nbsp; Through their commitment to their communities and one another, partners have demonstrated anything is possible when guided by a mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit - one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time. We haven’t always gotten it right, and we have experienced setbacks, but we’ve taken those setbacks and turned them into opportunities to grow and to be better.&nbsp; You hold us accountable, and I am grateful for that.&nbsp; We will always listen to our partners because your thoughts, feelings, and perspectives matter. That’s why, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/starbucks-role-and-responsibility-in-advancing-racial-and-social-equity/">last year</a>, Starbucks took a series of actions that would accelerate our journey to advance racial and social equity for our partners and our communities with intentionality, transparency, and accountability.&nbsp; It’s not enough to share these words in one message, our work must be realized through action.&nbsp; Tomorrow we will share some details on our continued commitment to becoming a more inclusive company and instill that within all the communities we serve. These commitments are in addition to the actions we’ve already taken on the realization of our vision to create an inclusive Starbucks. We all have a role to contribute and its with that purpose in mind that we continue to invest in these areas for all partners. Learning comes by doing, and that’s what we are committed to. As a 14-year partner, I’ve prided myself in living Starbucks Mission and Values with a clear approach: real inclusion requires intent. When we do that, we have the power to reframe and normalize diversity.&nbsp; Actions that nurture and embrace our exquisite cultural intricacies provide proof that we are committed to real change, not an award-winning performance.&nbsp; I do not take this work lightly – we’ve made great strides, but we cannot lose momentum and must move faster to accelerate the change necessary and imperative to ensure Starbucks is the brand of choice in being the most diverse, inclusive, equitable and accessible company.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I began this letter with a little about my personal life and journey because if we do not understand our history, we are undoubtedly destined to repeat it.&nbsp; For fifty years, Starbucks has been led by its Mission and Values.&nbsp; Through intentionality, transparency, and accountability, I believe we will continue to make substantial change on behalf of all our partners. I am proud of how this company has evolved, and I’ve never been prouder to be your partner.

“What we do is more important than what we say, or what we say we believe.” -Gloria Jean Watkins, American author, professor, feminist, and social activist

A More Inclusive Starbucks - Starbucks Stories

In a letter to U.S. partners, chief global inclusion and diversity officer Dennis Brockman reflects on Starbucks ongoing journey to be a more inclusive, welcoming third place.

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A More Inclusive Starbucks

I recognize that partners have a wide spectrum of views on vaccinations, much like the rest of the country. I also know we all want the best for every Starbucks partner. My responsibility, and that of every leader, is to do whatever we can to help keep you safe and to create the safest work environment possible, wrote Starbucks chief operating officer John Culver.

Since we first began navigating COVID-19, we have been transparent with you about the steps we are taking to care for your health and safety. As we look ahead, you have our commitment that we will continue to make decisions through the lens of our three guiding principles:

As I watch the news of the Omicron variant, which is now dominant in the U.S. and spreading faster than any variant yet, it’s concerning to see this new variant has pushed daily COVID-19 case counts higher than the Delta wave at its peak. Although there are breakthrough cases, public health and medical experts say that people who are vaccinated will likely experience mild symptoms, while those not vaccinated are significantly more likely to become seriously ill, be hospitalized or die. I recognize that partners have a wide spectrum of views on vaccinations, much like the rest of the country. I also know we all want the best for every Starbucks partner. My responsibility, and that of every leader, is to do whatever we can to help keep you safe and to create the safest work environment possible.

The vaccine is the best option we have, by far, when it comes to staying safe and slowing the spread of COVID-19. Last week a federal appeals court ruled the Occupational Safety &amp; Health Administration’s (OSHA) emergency temporary standard (ETS) on COVID-19 vaccination and testing could continue. As a result, OSHA has now set a new compliance date of Feb. 9, 2022 for large employers, including Starbucks, to implement and enforce a policy that requires employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or to submit to weekly COVID-19 testing and wear a facial covering. In continuing our commitment to prioritizing partner care and safety through COVID-19, this means:=

Here is how we will navigate this next phase together in compliance with the ETS:

Our First Step: Disclosure

To help manage this process, all U.S. partners need to disclose their vaccination status by Jan. 10. This is a requirement under the ETS, and disclosing your status is the only way we can know who needs to test or not. There are many options, including if you are unvaccinated for religious, medical or personal reasons. Partners who decline to disclose or choose not to answer will be treated as unvaccinated.

Making the Right Plan, for Right Now

As with every decision throughout this pandemic, we first looked at the facts, science and public health guidance. We also participated in listening sessions with partners, as well as read your comments on Workplace and the Partner Hub on this topic. To better understand the experience for partners, we went as far as to pilot a COVID-19 testing option in a locally mandated market. And in trying to explore all possibilities for partners, it became clear there is no “perfect” option, and every scenario has its own complexities. I believe the plan that we’ve landed on is ultimately the right plan, for right now. This is an important step we can take to help more partners get vaccinated, limit the spread of COVID-19, and create choices that partners can own based on what’s best for them. More information will be available in early January to support you in making the best choice and the best plan for yourself.

As we move forward, I ask that we all listen openly and connect with one another with respect and kindness. If vaccination rates rise and community spread slows, we will adapt accordingly. But if things get worse, we may have to consider additional measures. For now, my hope is that we will all do our part to protect one another. That means getting vaccinated if you can, reinforcing our safety protocols, and as always, being flexible with operations, where needed. In the coming weeks, we will host partner forums to share additional information with you, as well as provide an opportunity for you to ask questions.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to working together to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure that Starbucks continues to be a safe place for all of us and the communities we serve.

My responsibility, and that of every leader, is to do whatever we can to help keep you safe and to create the safest work environment possible.

Letter to Starbucks partners: Vaccines, testing and supporting you in next phase of COVID-19

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My responsibility, and that of every leader, is to do whatever we can to help keep you safe and to create the safest work environment possible, wrote Starbucks chief operating officer John Culver.

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In a letter to Starbucks partners from Rossann Williams, executive vice president, president North America shares a commitment to fairness and equity for partners, for growing and learning together and standing together as one Starbucks.

Let me start by saying Starbucks was founded on relationships. Our strength is our relationships between all of us as partners, with our customers and with the communities we serve. And at the heart of that, the very best of Starbucks, will always be YOU. Because everything we love most about Starbucks is thanks to partners who work directly together with care, partnership and respect.

From the beginning, we’ve been clear in our belief that we do not want a union between us as partners, and that conviction has not changed. However, we have also said that we respect the legal process. This means&nbsp;we will bargain in&nbsp;good faith with&nbsp;the union&nbsp;that represents partners&nbsp;in the one Buffalo store that voted in favor of union representation. Our hope is that union representatives also come to the table with mutual&nbsp;good faith, respect and positive intent.

Our commitment to each of you is that we will always stay true to our Mission and Values. We stand for fairness and equity for our partners. We stand for growing and learning together. We stand for the Starbucks Experience, and building a company together where partners and the business can thrive and share success. And, most importantly, we always stand together as one Starbucks. Always.

We want every partner to love working at Starbucks. I hear from so many of you who love our culture and are proud of what we’re building and stand for together. We bring warmth and belonging to one another, creating a sense of family, and we share this with our customers, creating a sense of community. Again, these relationships are what make us so special.

If we sometimes fall short, we want to continue to hear from you. That way we can work together to make the improvements necessary to provide you the very best partner experience we can.

Thank you again for all that you do. From my family to yours, we wish all of you and those you love a safe, healthy and happy holiday season! 

Letter to Starbucks partners: Our path forward after Buffalo union vote - Starbucks Stories

Letter to Starbucks partners: Our path forward after Buffalo union vote

Rossann Williams, evp, president North America shares a commitment to fairness and equity for partners, for growing and learning together and standing together as one Starbucks.

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https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2021/letter-to-starbucks-partners-our-path-forward-after-buffalo-union-vote/

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A letter to Starbucks partners (employees) from Rossann Williams, evp, president North America

What I’ve learned and love so deeply about us is that we are built on human connection. Our strength comes from our relationships and how we show up for each other. Partners listen and hear each other, bear witness to what’s happening in each others’ lives, support each other, celebrate successes, figure out challenges together, and discuss ideas that make us all better. It’s incredibly special. Everything we do best and love most about Starbucks is thanks to partners working together and supporting one another. I want to thank you for everything you do each and every day to bring the very best of Starbucks to life. I am proud to be on this journey together.

For the last three months in Buffalo, we’ve been working hard on creating the very best Starbucks partner experience. And we’ve been learning a lot about unions and hearing talk of “corporate versus partners.” What I know is that we are all partners and we, all of us, ARE Starbucks. Every day I work alongside the most incredibly talented partners. We will keep listening, we will keep connecting and we will keep being in service of one another because that’s what we’ve always done and what it means to be partner.

Partners in three Buffalo stores voted on union representation and the ballots were counted today. We had a split vote: one store voted to keep working directly together, one store voted to be represented by a union, and the third store doesn’t have a final result because some unopened “challenged” ballots can determine the tally. It may be some time before we know if or when those ballots can be opened and counted.&nbsp;

So what happens from here? Put simply, we continue on as we did today, yesterday and the day before that. These are preliminary results with no immediate changes to our partner relationship as the NLRB process continues.

Most important, the vote outcomes will not change our shared purpose or how we will show up for each other. We want to protect partner flexibility, transferability and benefits across all stores in a market or a district because we know that’s important to partners. This is why we strongly believe that every partner in a district or market should have the opportunity to vote on such an important decision.

Starbucks is one of the most respected and admired companies in the world, built by partners in service of partners, customers and neighborhoods all across the country. I am so proud to be your partner and to continue moving forward stronger, together.

We want every partner to love working at Starbucks. We will keep finding new and better ways to continue leading on wages and benefits, improve our listening and active partnership, and keep building a company that matters. Because we are partners.

Buffalo union vote results and what matters most - Starbucks Stories

Buffalo union vote results and what matters most

A letter to Starbucks partners (employees) from Rossann Williams, evp, president North America.

https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2021/buffalo-union-vote-results-and-what-matters-most/

“You can trust that while we are on this journey together, we will always be one Starbucks, grounded in the belief that partners are the heartbeat of this company,” writes chief executive officer Kevin Johnson in a holiday message.

As I enjoy one of my favorite coffees, Starbucks Christmas Blend, I reach out to you today to reflect and to share some thoughts about the future.

Staying true to our Mission and Values

We’ve navigated a global pandemic by staying true to our Mission and Values and by prioritizing the health and wellbeing of our partners and customers. Together, we implemented new store safety protocols, provided economic certainty to our fellow partners, invested in comprehensive COVID-19 care and benefits and gave free coffee to front line health care workers and first responders. And through it all, the hero in this story is you – our Starbucks partners – who show up in service of people and communities every day. We are all feeling stress and living with the fear of COVID, yet you bring joy to people seeking that special Starbucks Experience. You continue to be a light for each other, for our customers and for the communities we serve. And for that, I am so proud and grateful.&nbsp;

The world has forever changed

As we face the future, it’s clear COVID has changed everything.&nbsp;For example, 5 million Americans have left the workforce during the pandemic, a reality you experience daily. Global supply chain dislocations continue to impact businesses around the world, including Starbucks. Inflation is creating financial pressure on families, and the struggle for racial justice and equity continues. And now, the Omicron variant is creating more challenges in an already uncertain environment. This weighs on humanity, our society and on each of us.

Fortunately, humanity is core to Starbucks, and we take pride in challenging the status quo and leading during times of adversity. And this time will be no different. My commitment to you is that we will continue to navigate into the future together, as one Starbucks.

Together, we will overcome these challenges

We are taking action, quickly, because we know that with more customers coming back to our stores, these macro challenges have created even more pressure for our stores, and all of you. We have heard you, and we are making progress on the toughest obstacles – increasing recruiting staff across the U.S., hiring 5,000 new partners each week, investing an unprecedented $1 billion in wages, training, and hours, deploying new equipment and technology and continuing to support leaders in markets across the country.

There is more to do as we continue to adapt to the long-term realities of COVID. This will involve reimagining our future – continuously listening to improve the partner experience and treating each other with respect and dignity. And although we will never be perfect, together we will create our best path forward.

There is only one Starbucks

That leads me to the situation in Buffalo, where this week partners in three individual stores will decide if they want to be represented by a union.

Unlike others in our industry who operate a franchise model, we have a network of company-operated stores that work together to create a better partner experience. Why does this matter?&nbsp;Many of you have told me you greatly value the flexibility to work between stores, to swap and pickup shifts, giving you the opportunity to connect with partners across different stores as one community. Because of this, we feel strongly that all partners in Buffalo should have a voice in the elections, which may unfortunately not be the case. While we recognize this creates some level of uncertainty, we respect the process that is underway and, independent of any outcome in these elections, we will continue to stay true to our Mission and Values.&nbsp;

Optimistic for the future

As they have through our 50-year history, our Mission and Values will guide us to lead and innovate in ways that are most meaningful to our partners. In fact, the achievements and offerings we are most proud of are because of you: health care benefits, Bean Stock to give you each equity in the company, the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, mental health support through Lyra, our Third Place Policy, our parental and sick leave benefits, evolution of our dress code, some of our most innovative menu offerings and so much more.&nbsp;

So, what can you expect going forward? First, we will work each day to exceed the expectations of our partners as you, in turn, create that great Starbucks Experience for our customers. Second, we will always be transparent and authentic – even when we need to have tough conversations. And finally, you can trust that while we are on this journey together, we will always be one Starbucks, grounded in the belief that partners are the heartbeat of this company.&nbsp;

These principles will guide us, ensuring that our legacy of treating one another as partners is lived out every day, in every market, in every store.

Happy holidays, and I look forward to connecting again soon.&nbsp;

“You can trust that while we are on this journey together, we will always be one Starbucks, grounded in the belief that partners are the heartbeat of this company,” writes ceo Kevin Johnson.

A message from Kevin Johnson: Going forward together as one Starbucks

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https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2021/a-message-from-kevin-johnson-going-forward-together-as-one-starbucks/

“You can trust that while we are on this journey together, we will always be one Starbucks, grounded in the belief that partners are the heartbeat of this company,” writes chief executive officer Kevin Johnson in a holiday message.

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A letter to U.S. Starbucks partners (employees) from Howard Schultz, Starbucks founder

It was 40 years ago when I first crossed the threshold of our store at Pike Place, only beginning to imagine the possibilities of what this company could one day become. It had always been my dream to build a different kind of company – one where we create new opportunities for our people and build community, together, over coffee.

Over the years I’ve traveled all over the world to meet with our teams in over 80 markets. It has always energized me to meet with our partners and hear about their hopes and dreams. In this 50th year of the company’s existence, our Starbucks leaders have asked me to share our foundational stories around the world. It’s a privilege for me given my profound love for the company and what we have uniquely built together as partners over the years.

Today, I am writing to you from Buffalo, New York. Since my last trip here to meet with Store Managers in September, I have had the great privilege of hearing deeply personal stories about our Buffalo partners’ own journeys.

My purpose here has been to listen and learn. And to share with our partners - so many here who are new to the company - about the values and principles that have served as our foundation.

Buffalo in many ways is like so much of America today, navigating a confluence of social and economic challenges as we address the pandemic environment. Starbucks has not been immune from these challenges, and we have been dedicated across the country for much of the past year to focus on areas the company must improve in many of our stores. There is simply no better way to do this than to double down on our belief in servant leadership, ensuring we meet the expectations of our partners and customers in this next chapter.

I shared with our partners tonight who may not have known that I worked for so many years to build a company that my father never had a chance to work for. That as a blue-collar worker and veteran, he taught me the meaning of hard work after an on-the-job injury left our family without an income or insurance, literally no safety net. This traumatic moment fueled me to frame the vision and guiding principles of Starbucks, creating a company of partners that aspired to build a for-profit company imbued with love, social conscience and shared success based on shared responsibility.

Through our direct and shared relationship as partners we began to build a different kind of company, bringing to life:

What the leadership team has done in Buffalo is what we have always done. We listen. We learn. We get better together. No partner has ever needed to have a representative seek to obtain things we all have as partners at Starbucks. And I am saddened and concerned to hear anyone thinks that is needed now. The rituals of the company for so many years include forums like we had tonight. And 1:1 and team conversations between district managers and store managers and baristas. The direct engagement is a true hallmark of Starbucks. Our leaders’ responsibility to practice servant leadership is an accountability that has zero compromise.

As I leave tonight, I can’t help but think how the success of our company has come from a simple truth.&nbsp; That when we exceed the expectations of our people, they in turn exceed the expectations of our customers. This is what we know we need to continue to do in Buffalo and everywhere around the country. Leaders must learn from what is happening in Buffalo, and I know they are. I see the changes, commitments and engagement happening. And the leadership team and I will continue these forums around the country, creating more opportunities to learn from one another and improve. We must remember to earn success and trust each day, taking accountability and correcting when there are missteps.

I know deep in my heart that the best is yet to come for Starbucks. It remains my greatest aspiration that Starbucks partners will stay together carrying forward the legacy of working together with compassion and with love, and providing a welcoming and uplifting third place for one another and our customers. To every Starbucks partner, whether you are new to the company or you have been here for some time, this is our time to come together to show the world what it means to build a great and enduring company, unlike anything out there. Just we as partners, dreaming bigger than ever before.

On November 6, 2021 Starbucks founder Howard Schultz spoke with Starbucks partners (employees) at a&nbsp;Partner Open Forum in Buffalo, N.Y.

See Highlights from the Conversation

Hear Howard on Starbucks Partner Benefits

Watch the Entire Open Forum

“To every Starbucks partner, whether you are new to the company or you have been here for some time, this is our time to come together to show the world what it means to build a truly different kind of company, unlike anything out there,” writes Starbucks founder Howard Schultz.

A message from Howard Schultz: From Buffalo with love

https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2021/a-message-from-howard-schultz-from-buffalo-with-love/

A letter to Starbucks partners (employees) from Rossann Williams, evp, president North America: More investments for store partners in pay, labor, training, equipment and technology

I was so proud to join Starbucks 17 years ago, because I was joining a different kind of company whose values matched mine. A purpose-driven company with deep respect, care and love for its employees (who we embrace as partners), its customers and communities. Our founder Howard Schultz believed in the dignity of the human experience, in building a successful company, and that our success should always be shared. And under Kevin’s leadership, we all remain committed to this today. This has always been us, and it will always be what we do. Partners always work together to understand the challenges and opportunities of the day. We always reimagine and trailblaze some of the most amazing benefits and services of any retail company in the country – from providing health care to part time as well as full time partners, to annual stock grants for every partner, to 100% college tuition coverage, mental health support and even free Spotify. &nbsp;We always challenge ourselves: what’s needed now, what more can we do, and what are our biggest dreams? And we always start with our partner experience first. Always.

I am proud of how we continue to work together to protect our business and support our partners through the most challenging 18+ months of our lives in this ongoing pandemic. When others were closing stores and laying off people, we doubled down with COVID-19 pay and benefits AND we made a record investment in partner wages and experience. And today, based on what we’ve seen and heard across the country, we’re announcing yet again one of the biggest partner investments in our history! I am forever proud and grateful to be your partner and I’m pleased to share the investments we’re making in our partner experience this fiscal year across the country:

We want to thank and reward partners who have been with us the longest. You have helped build this company and supported us over two of the most challenging years. In late January, most baristas and shift supervisors across the country with two or more years of service will get up to a 5% raise, and most hourly partners with five or more years will get up to a 10% raise. This is in keeping with our long history of investing in our partners.

In December 2020 we announced that we would raise our minimum wage to $15/hour nationally and in Summer 2022 we will have achieved that goal. This will of course support current partners, and importantly it will also reinforce Starbucks as an employer of choice for future partners as we enhance recruitment efforts in the challenging labor market that we – like other retailers – face.&nbsp; And when we make this increase to $15/hour in markets that are not already at that level, we will ensure partners with two or more years of service are paid above their market start rate. This means baristas will make between $15 and $23/hour based on market and tenure, and we will maintain a 27% difference between Barista and SSV start rates. And we continue to offer career development opportunities like the barista trainer program and promotions to grow earning potential.

Our wage increases from Dec. 2020 to the Summer of 2022 will mean at least a 17% increase for partners, and at least 20% for tenured partners, in two years. I share all this only to reaffirm our belief that investing in our partners is not a cost, it’s an opportunity – and we intend to let our shareholders and peers know the same.&nbsp;

We’re adding hourly recruiting specialists in the regions, extending the $200 referral bonuses, and redesigning Barista Basics with added training time as well as plans to add funded practice shifts for new hires. The positive responses we’re getting from partners around the country tells us we’re on the right track – thank you! In addition, we are learning from the 40 stores we temporarily repurposed for training needs in markets around the country and will continue to build on this work.