Our global commitment to fundamental human rights as a core component of the way we do business and how we engage our partners (employees), our business partners, and our customers and communities.

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Message from Kevin Johnson

At Starbucks, we’ve always been about more than just the coffee. We are about humanity. It is a fundamental belief at the heart of <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/about-us/company-information/mission-statement">Our Mission</a>: to inspire and nurture the human spirit — one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.

It is not only a business imperative, but it is our responsibility to create a culture of warmth and inclusion where everyone is welcome, respected and valued. This Global Human Rights Statement is a demonstration of that commitment to have a positive impact on the lives of all the people we touch — from the fields where our coffee is grown, to the local communities we serve and the planet that we all share.

Kevin Johnson president and chief executive officer member of Starbucks Board of Directors

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Standards and Governance

We respect the human rights of individuals and communities impacted by &nbsp;our operations and products, and we commit to respect the principles of the: <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/documents/publications/guidingprinciplesbusinesshr_en.pdf">UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights</a>; <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/responsibility/learn-more/un-global-compact">UN Global Compact</a>; <a href="https://www.oecd.org/daf/inv/mne/48004323.pdf">OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises</a>; <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Publications/FactSheet2Rev.1en.pdf">International Bill of Rights</a>; <a href="https://www.ilo.org/declaration/lang--en/index.htm">ILO Core Labor Standards</a>; <a href="https://www2.unwomen.org/-/media/field%20office%20eseasia/docs/publications/2016/05/wep-booklet-en.pdf?la=en&amp;vs=5928">Women’s Empowerment Principles</a>; <a href="https://d306pr3pise04h.cloudfront.net/docs/issues_doc%2Fhuman_rights%2FCRBP%2FChildrens_Rights_and_Business_Principles.pdf">Children’s Rights and Business Principles</a>, and <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/issues/environment/srenvironment/pages/frameworkprinciplesreport.aspx">Framework Principles on Human Rights and the Environment</a>.

At Starbucks, each of us is entrusted to make decisions that impact our relationships with each other, our customers, our Business Partners and our communities. This Global Human Rights Statement is applicable to all Starbucks Partners, and we extend the expectations detailed in this statement to suppliers throughout our Supply Chain. We are also committed to working with our Business Partners to meet the expectations detailed in this statement in every market we serve.

It is one of Starbucks core values that we deliver our very best in everything we do, including holding ourselves accountable for results. Business units throughout the organization have oversight for compliance with various aspects of our Global Human Rights Statement and practices and report their results to a centralized system managed by the Ethics and Compliance business unit.

Starbucks <a href="https://globalassets.starbucks.com/assets/783F1B6C9BBA4DB2B8FC9465CA65658F.pdf">Audit and Compliance Committee</a>, a committee of Starbucks Board of Directors, oversees the Company's enterprise risk management practices, internal and external audit process and the system of internal controls. The Audit and Compliance Committee receives updates from management and the internal auditor on enterprise risk management practices and internal audits which may include the operation of our ethical sourcing programs and standards that support our Global Human Rights Statement.

Our company’s pursuit of good is an ongoing effort. Aligned with this belief, &nbsp;we are committed to ongoing human rights due diligence and assessing and reporting our continuous improvement transparently through publicly available documents, such as our <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/responsibility/global-report">Global Social Impact Reports</a>, our <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/an-update-on-starbucks-civil-rights-assessment/">Civil Rights Assessments</a> and our <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2020/01/Starbucks-Environmental-Baseline-Report.pdf">Environmental Impact Analysis</a>.

For the purposes of this policy, we use the following definitions:

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Starbucks respects the inherent dignity of all persons and seeks to enable Partners to do their best work by embracing and valuing the unique combination of talents, experiences and perspectives of each partner.

&nbsp;Our commitment to respect the human and civil rights of our Partners applies across the world — whether in our Starbucks Support Center (i.e., headquarters) or in Starbucks company-operated retail stores. This commitment is communicated with and embedded in our training materials and manuals and <a href="https://livingourvalues.starbucks.com/en-us/">Starbucks Standards of Business Conduct</a>.

We adhere to <a href="https://www.ilo.org/declaration/lang--en/index.htm">ILO Core Labor Standards</a>, including the rights to non-discrimination, equal pay for equal work, freedom of association, participation in collective bargaining and just and favorable conditions of work, such as ensuring the health and safety of our Partners.

We respect&nbsp;our Partners’&nbsp;right to privacy, which is outlined in our <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/about-us/company-information/online-policies/privacy-policy">Privacy Statement</a>. Our approach to privacy and data protection is governed by the recognized principles of data minimization, limited collection and limited use, among other key areas. Our Privacy Statement describes what information we collect, how we use it, how and when it may be shared, and the rights and choices Partners have with respect to their personal information.

All Partners are responsible for supporting human rights in the work environment, which includes understanding Starbucks Global Human Rights Statement concerning fundamental human rights and upholding the provisions of these rights in the workplace. We also expect our Partners to raise awareness of any behaviors or business situations involving Starbucks that may compromise the company’s values around the provision of fundamental human rights and report potential violations of Starbucks Global Human Rights Statement.

Our Customers and Communities

We are dedicated to creating a culture of warmth and belonging, where everyone is welcome. We respect our customers’ human and civil rights and seek to ensure their experience at Starbucks reflects our values.

Our commitment to all customers is posted in our stores and online via the <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/responsibility/learn-more/policies/third-place">Third Place Policy</a>, and this commitment includes respect for our customers’ right to non-discrimination.

Our customers’ right to privacy is governed by our Global Privacy Principles, which is outlined in our <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/about-us/company-information/online-policies/privacy-policy">Privacy Statement</a>. Our approach to privacy and data protection is governed by the recognized principles of data minimization, limited collection and limited use, among other key areas. Our Privacy Statement describes what information we collect, how we use it, how and when it may be shared, and the rights and choices customers have with respect to their personal information.

We are also committed to serving our communities, including people with disabilities. Our dedication to accessibility can be found in the <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/views/Starbucks-Commitment-to-Access-and-Disability-Inclusion">Starbucks Commitment to Access and Disability Inclusion</a>.

Our ethical sourcing programs integrate respect for human rights throughout&nbsp;our Supply Chain, addressing rights such as: the right to non-discrimination; the right to be free from forced and child labor; the right to association; and the right to just and favorable working conditions, including ensuring the health and safety of workers. As part of our commitment, we respect the rights of vulnerable groups, such as women, migrant, seasonal and temporary workers, as well as the rights of indigenous communities. We are also committed to pursuing sustainable livelihoods within our Supply Chain to achieve a decent standard of living.

We require all of our suppliers to pledge compliance with our <a href="https://globalassets.starbucks.com/assets/ada1f37e34954eb1883a6b32d3e8a430.pdf">Supplier Code of Conduct</a>, and we work to integrate our human rights commitment throughout our ethical sourcing programs and standards, which include: <a href="https://www.scsglobalservices.com/services/starbucks-cafe-practices">C.A.F.E. Practices</a>; <a href="https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/business/resource-item/rainforest-alliance-sustainable-agriculture-standard/">Third party certifications for tea, including Rainforest Alliance</a>; <a href="https://www.scsglobalservices.com/services/starbucks-cocoa-practices">Cocoa Practices</a>; <a href="https://globalassets.starbucks.com/assets/182efb6d01da495fac3b0d2c06a8e50f.pdf">Manufactured Goods and Services Standards</a>; and <a href="https://globalassets.starbucks.com/assets/f341d6b613c640958368bd3e91be13aa.pdf">Conflict Minerals Policy Statement</a>. Our C.A.F.E. Practices includes <a href="https://cdn.scsglobalservices.com/files/program_documents/C.A.F.E.%20Practices%20Terms%20and%20Conditions_v3%207_ENG_Oct2019.pdf">terms and conditions</a> for verifying ethically sourced coffee, including how we remediate zero tolerance instances; <a href="https://cdn.scsglobalservices.com/files/program_documents/cafe_man_verinsops_v5_3_102817.pdf">operating standards and guidelines</a> for third-party verifiers; and a commitment to third-party <a href="https://www.conservation.org/corporate-engagements/starbucks">impact assessments</a> and reporting. In addition to our Supply Chain, these same ethical sourcing programs and standards apply to our company-operated farm, roasting plants, distribution centers and juicery.

In line with our value to hold ourselves accountable for results, we engage in third-party assessments of our Supply Chain. When we identify suppliers that have not met our ethical sourcing standards, it is our philosophy of transparency, continuous improvement and shared responsibility to work with those suppliers to develop corrective action plans and implement these plans based on a mutually agreed schedule toward resolution. We also pursue certifications where appropriate, such as for <a href="https://globalassets.starbucks.com/assets/0c1557af08a04ac1b45dd6bcc84c3c4b.pdf">palm oil</a> and <a href="https://globalassets.starbucks.com/assets/f341d6b613c640958368bd3e91be13aa.pdf">conflict minerals</a>.

We believe our future and our ability to have healthy communities and meaningful space for connection depends on preserving the environment around us. To be planet positive is to be people positive: it’s our ambition to advance environmental justice by aligning our <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/message-from-starbucks-ceo-kevin-johnson-starbucks-new-sustainability-commitment">sustainability commitment</a> with our human rights commitment. We recognize and are committed to respecting the rights to land, water and natural resources. One way we are doing this is to work with farmers to conserve water used for coffee processing, protect rivers and streams and ensure workers have access to clean drinking water.

We respect the crucial work done by <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/issues/srhrdefenders/pages/defender.aspx">Human Rights Defenders</a> who work individually or with others to promote or protect human rights. We value their input, as we value the input of all of our stakeholders, and we neither tolerate nor contribute to threats, intimidation and attacks against Human Rights Defenders. We expect our Supply Chain to act accordingly as well.

We strive to work with Business Partners that both share and reflect <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/about-us/company-information/mission-statement">Our Mission and Values</a>.&nbsp;We choose Business Partners who conduct business in a responsible and ethical manner, respect the rights of individuals and help protect the environment and the people impacted by their business actions. As part of ongoing due diligence, our Global Security and Resilience team routinely evaluates potential human rights risks in the regions where our Business Partners operate.

In support of increasing our collective impact, we make our Global Human Rights Statement available to Business Partners. We expect them to have shared expectations of what is detailed in this statement and adopt similar polices and commitments of their own, including participating in effective, operational-level grievance mechanisms for the individuals and communities who may be adversely impacted. Starbucks is also committed to working with our Business Partners to meet the expectations detailed in this statement in every market we serve.

Responding to Grievances

We are committed to providing safe, confidential and accessible grievance channels to all individuals impacted by our operations and products. Starbucks does not tolerate retaliation against or the victimization of anyone who raises concerns or questions regarding a potential violation of our Global Human Rights Statement.

We are committed to providing remedy in cases where we may have caused or contributed to an adverse human rights impact across our value chain. As part of this commitment, we will not obstruct access to other remedies and we will work with our Supply Chain and Business Partners to remedy adverse impacts that we are directly linked to. In line with our value of continuous improvement, Starbucks is committed to incorporating the lessons we learn from instances where we may have caused or contributed to harm and communicating the changes we introduce to prevent repeating harms.

Our <a href="https://businessconduct.eawebline.com/">Ethics and Compliance Helpline</a>, which can be accessed anytime online or &nbsp;by phone, is a resource to ask questions or raise concerns. Available in multiple languages, and accessible locally in many geographies, Partners or individuals that experience or see conduct that is inconsistent with our Global Human Rights Statement may use our Ethics and Compliance Helpline to raise concerns. Reported concerns specifically related to human rights are escalated to the appropriate team at Starbucks.

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Our global commitment to fundamental human rights as a core component of the way we do business and how we engage our partners our business partners, and our customers and communities.

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Global Human Rights Statement

A letter to Starbucks partners from Kevin Johnson, Starbucks ceo and president

For nearly 50 years, Starbucks has inspired and nurtured the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time. We are purpose-driven and demonstrate our values each day as we work to create a warm and welcoming experience for customers in our stores.

With a historic U.S. election upon us, I am reminded that it is our shared Mission and Values that unite us at Starbucks with over 400,000 partners around the world proudly wearing the green apron representing all perspectives, genders, races, religions and personal political views.

It is the moments of connection we have with one another and our customers in our stores that define the Starbucks Experience. And, as many will look to Starbucks as a place of familiarity and respite in the days ahead, I want to share with you a few things top of mind for me.

First, we will remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring our stores provide that <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2018/use-of-the-third-place-policy/">warm and welcoming Third Place</a>, free of disruptive, intolerant and discriminatory behavior, and encourage us all to demonstrate respect for another’s differences, experiences and emotions with kindness and support. We will focus on the safety of our partners and customers above all else.

Second, building on our long legacy of encouraging our partners to <a href="https://www.fuelourdemocracy.com/">use their voice and vote</a>, we have joined Civic Alliance as well as hundreds of companies this year to advocate for a <a href="https://www.civicalliance.com/100">safe and accessible election</a>. Every voice will be heard, and I have great confidence in the integrity of our election process.

Finally, this election is certainly an important one and will likely require patience as all votes are counted. The results may not be known overnight. If this is the case, I encourage you to trust in the process and be patient.

For tomorrow, after your ballot is in, make a French Press of your favorite coffee and sip slowly – knowing the election process will work and it may take some time. Regardless of the outcome, or how long it will take to get there, one thing is certain: We will continue to live up to our values and stand united to leave a positive imprint on the communities we serve.

Thank you for continuing to uplift one another and those you serve. You are ALL the heartbeat of Starbucks. I am proud to be your partner.

Letter from the ceo: Thoughts ahead of the 2020 U.S. election - Starbucks Stories

Letter from the ceo: Thoughts ahead of the 2020 U.S. election

Starbucks ceo Kevin Johnson reflects on the shared Mission and Values that unite more than 400,000 partners around the world proudly wearing the green apron, representing all perspectives, genders, races, religions and personal political views.

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In a letter to partners (employees), Starbucks ceo Kevin Johnson outlines further steps the company will take to advance inclusion, diversity and equity on behalf of its partners and the communities it serves.

As we continue together on our journey to advance racial and social equity on behalf of our partners and the communities we serve, I keep coming back to three principles: intention, transparency and accountability.

That is, as we consider the role and responsibility of Starbucks, as a company, to lead by example in areas of inclusion, diversity, and equity, we will: 1) be intentional about the actions we take and how they line up with our Mission and Values, 2) commit to transparency with all stakeholders about our thinking and our goals, and 3) hold ourselves accountable.

Those are the same three principles we outlined for ourselves over two years ago in Philadelphia that led to the closing of our 8,000 company-owned stores for a day of anti-bias training. Those principles further led to our partnership with Arizona State University in developing our <a href="https://tobewelcoming.com/">To Be Welcoming</a> curriculum, to our <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/an-update-on-starbucks-civil-rights-assessment/">civil rights assessment</a> led by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and a bold decision to make that assessment public, and our success in achieving <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/how-starbucks-is-addressing-the-pay-gap/">gender and race pay equity</a> in the U.S.

In the partner <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/a-message-from-starbucks-ceo-to-partners-and-customers-on-civic-responsibility/">letter</a> I sent at the end of August, I outlined critical questions I believe each of us ought to be asking ourselves in this pivotal societal moment.&nbsp;

We are well underway with efforts to help answer the question about our roles and responsibilities as individuals, with action to <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/fuel-our-democracy-starbucks-helps-partners-customers-prepare-to-vote/">reduce barriers to voting</a> for those who wear the green apron as well as for our customers.

Today, I’m pleased to tell you about several new actions Starbucks will be taking as we continue our journey and step up our efforts.

As we discuss inclusion, diversity and equity, we discover time and again that these topics are foundational to our Starbucks Mission and Values. Of course, they are. The very concept of the Third Place embodies inclusion – creating a place of warmth and belonging, where everyone is welcome. It’s what we mean when we talk about connecting with transparency, dignity and respect.

I believe our Mission and Values are what have made, and continue to make, Starbucks an enduring company. We share a purpose that transcends the pursuit of profit and that will carry us forward as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Starbucks next year.&nbsp;

Advancing Starbucks Culture of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity

We know that a more inclusive environment will create a flywheel that leads to greater diversity, and thereby greater equity and opportunity for all. Greater diversity enables us to better fulfill our mission. We have already taken action on many of the recommendations that resulted from our Civil Rights Assessment but, while we have made progress in many areas, we know that there is still more work to be done.

Today, we are outlining additional actions we will take on our journey. Each of the actions lines up with our Mission and Values, and so we know they are not just fleeting initiatives, but rather woven into the fabric of Starbucks. And I ask you to be engaged in this journey, knowing this requires long-term thinking that is backed up by the daily, sustained work that we are committed to do. &nbsp;As a part of these actions:

Supporting the resilience of the communities we serve

When we talk about using Starbucks “scale for good,” we mean that every business has the potential to promote equity in the community it serves; and since Starbucks serves more than 30,000 communities, we have the potential – and yes, responsibility – to promote equity on a larger scale than some other businesses.

I continue to be impressed and awed by the dedication and resilience of all partners who wear the green apron, especially now, when the communities we serve need the comfort, familiarity and safety that Starbucks provides. Thank you for all you do.

We have a responsibility to build bridges and create environments where all are welcome. Our journey continues as we are guided by intentionality, transparency and accountability.

In a letter to partners (employees), Starbucks ceo Kevin Johnson outlines further steps the company will take to advance inclusion, diversity and equity.

Starbucks role and responsibility in advancing racial and social equity

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An open letter from Starbucks Chief Sustainability Officer, Michael Kobori, shared with Starbucks partners in support of Climate Week.

We have felt the immediate impact of climate change across the world this year – from the west coast of the U.S. engulfed by fires and an apocalyptic orange sky, to the floods in Asia, and a record-breaking Atlantic storm season. Not even the northern-most point of our planet was spared, with 100-degree temperatures recorded in the Arctic. At this point, the climate crisis is not something that will happen in the future; it is upon us today.

At Starbucks, we also realize the climate crisis is inextricably intertwined with the other historic crises we are grappling with, among them: the global pandemic, a recession, and systemic racism. 

At the beginning of 2020, Starbucks announced a bold aspiration to become resource-positive, storing more carbon than we emit, providing more clean freshwater than we use, and eliminating waste. And we set targets to cut our carbon, water, and waste footprints in half by 2030.

Nine months on, sobered by what we have experienced this year, we realize we need to deepen that commitment and recognize how it is interlinked with our people-focused mission---to inspire and nurture the human spirit. We have taken the following actions:

These actions are a step in the right direction. But we all know that we need to do more and do it faster if we are to create a more sustainable, just, and prosperous world that is people and planet positive.

I look forward to your engagement and support as we address this challenge and opportunity of our lifetime.

Reaffirming Starbucks commitment to a resource-positive future - Starbucks Stories

Reaffirming Starbucks commitment to a resource-positive future

An open letter from Starbucks Chief Sustainability Officer, Michael Kobori, shared with Starbucks partners in support of Climate Week.

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Kevin Johnson unveils the voter registration initiatives Starbucks is launching to ensure partners and customers have the opportunity for their voices to be heard.

The struggle for civil rights and racial equity in America requires continuous conversations and daily work. This is especially true for a business like ours that lives its mission grounded in humanity and that touches the lives of hundreds of millions of people around the world.&nbsp;

Over the recent weeks, I, along with the entire leadership team, have revisited the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2019/01/Covington-Report-to-Starbucks-Jan-23-2019.pdf">Civil Rights Assessment</a> of Starbucks that was conducted by Covington &amp; Burling, under the leadership of former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. That assessment, and the one-year update published <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/an-update-on-starbucks-civil-rights-assessment/">in February</a>, do a good job summarizing the actions Starbucks has taken to promote civil rights—for partners, for customers, and for the communities we serve. It shows the different ways that, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2019/starbucks-equity-and-inclusion-timeline/">for years</a>, Starbucks has facilitated that conversation and engaged in the daily work.&nbsp;

However, the potency—and the potential—of this national moment highlights that, although we have made progress, there is still so much more for us to do. We approach this as a quest to stand up for racial justice and equity, create opportunity for others, and strengthen every community we serve and in which we live.

Roz and I have met with leaders of all our business resource groups and with retail leaders to reflect on our journey together, and to share and solicit ideas about how Starbucks and Starbucks partners can continue to do more. As a company, we know the benefit of being thoughtful and intentional, listening to our partners and stakeholders and making decisions that ensure our partners feel seen, heard and valued.&nbsp;That is exactly what we have been doing.

The upcoming election is a reminder that we, as citizens, play an active role in our society by simply getting involved and voting. Who you vote for is a very personal decision that you make as a citizen. It is one way for you to be heard. It is how democracy works. Yet we know that barriers exist, notably in Black and Brown communities throughout the nation, that lend to systemic racism and require greater voter access and protections. I&nbsp;want to share how we are working, in a uniquely Starbucks way, to ensure you&nbsp;have the&nbsp;opportunity for your voice to be heard.

Starbucks is taking a major step forward this year to ensure that no partner will have to choose between working their shift or voting on or before Election Day. Through conversations between managers and nearly 200,000 partners, we’ll ensure you have the tools and the time necessary to register and cast your vote. To further enable this, partners have created a new <a href="http://www.StarbucksPartnersVote.com">portal</a> with tools and resources to support your civic engagement, includinginformation onhow to register to vote, request a mail-in ballot, and volunteer to help make this year’s election safe and accessible.

Voting, while essential, is just one step toward addressing many of the issues in front of us as a society. In the coming weeks and months, you can expect to hear more about the principles we are developing and commitments we will make to further racial equity, justice and opportunity. You will hear about greater transparency into diversity and inclusion data when it comes to hiring, developing and advancing partners across all roles within the company. You will hear about us partnering with civil rights groups, non-profits, governments and first responders who share our belief that every single human being—including Black, Indigenous and people of color—feels safe, welcome and respected. You’ll also hear about other ways we are further using our scale for good in the communities we serve. The bottom line being: Starbucks will not wait for change, we will make change of our own.&nbsp;

THREE CRITICAL QUESTIONS

As we continue to build on all that we have done over the past several years, we are focusing on three important questions&nbsp;for each of us to consider. These questions serve as a framework for thoughtful conversation and action:

As a citizen, what is my role and responsibility?

As a Starbucks partner, what is my role and responsibility to promote a culture of inclusion, allyship, diversity, and equity, both in our stores and throughout our extended work environment?

As a company, what is Starbucks role and responsibility to step up our commitment to promote justice, equity, opportunity and resiliency in all communities we serve?&nbsp;

We will use these questions to guide an ongoing conversation, informed by the Civil Rights Audit and by suggestions from partners around the world, and by our 50-year journey as a company. I encourage all Starbucks partners to take part in this conversation. There are&nbsp; simple actions we can all consider taking now, such as re-reading the audit or signing up for a <a href="https://tobewelcoming.com/">To Be Welcoming</a> course, which we developed together with Arizona State University.

We have a responsibility to promote justice and build bridges, and a mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit. To truly accomplish that requires recognition of, daily commitment to, and investment in racial justice in America.&nbsp;Our journey continues.

With respect and gratitude, Kevin&nbsp;

Kevin Johnson unveils the voter registration initiatives Starbucks is launching to ensure partners and customers have the opportunity for their voices to be heard.

A message from Starbucks ceo to partners and customers on civic responsibility

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A safe and welcoming public space is a shared community responsibility. Consistent with Our Mission and Values, we expect everyone in our third place community to&nbsp;treat others with respect and dignity, free of bias and discrimination. Behaviors that make anyone feel unwelcome or unsafe&nbsp;have no place on our store premises.&nbsp; We trust our baristas to address disruptive behaviors appropriately guided by our existing policies and training.&nbsp;

When in our stores:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anyone not contributing to a safe and welcoming environment will be asked to change their behavior.&nbsp; Anyone not changing their behavior may be asked to leave the store with possible assistance from law enforcement.&nbsp;

We are committed to creating a culture of warmth and belonging where everyone is welcome. This policy is intended to help maintain the third place environment in alignment with our mission.

Use of the Third Place Policy

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We believe in bringing communities together, both in person and online, and we stand against hate speech. We believe more must be done to create welcoming and inclusive online communities, and we believe both business leaders and policy makers need to come together to affect real change.

Since Starbucks paused advertising on all social media platforms in July, we have spent the last two months in meaningful discussions with key internal and external stakeholders to help us create a principled approach to our demands of the social media industry. In our path forward, we will monitor all platforms’ content, community health and brand suitability, with a continued focus on: transparency (demanding more information about their progress on addressing content that goes against our brand standards and about where our ads appear); enforcement of their standards across platforms (to ensure they are eliminating prohibiting content); and governance and accountability (to ensure that they have the mechanisms to enforce and will continue to make progress where needed).

Based on the productive conversations and commitments of these platforms to date, we evaluated each platform separately and have resumed paid social media advertising on social media platforms based on these principles over the remainder of this calendar year. We will hold our media partners accountable to the commitments they have made and will reserve the right to revisit our ad placement strategy to ensure continued progress towards a more civil online environment.

Creating Welcoming and Inclusive Online Communities - Starbucks Stories

Creating Welcoming and Inclusive Online Communities

Starbucks pauses advertising on social media and calls for a stop to the spread of hate speech on those platforms.

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An open letter to Starbucks partners from Kevin Johnson, Starbucks chief executive officer and president, and Roz Brewer, Starbucks chief operating officer and group president

The last three weeks have provided a powerful opportunity to listen, learn and reflect upon how Starbucks is living up to its mission to nurture the human spirit, one person, one cup, one neighborhood at a time.

That reflection starts with how we failed to create a warm and welcoming environment in one of our Philadelphia stores two years ago. The incident revealed we had real work to do, and <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2019/starbucks-equity-and-inclusion-timeline/#:~:text=The%20Starbucks%20Foundation%20commits%20%241,towns%20across%20the%20United%20States.">we’ve been on a journey</a> ever since. Now, the recent events triggered by the murder of George Floyd once again call for us to pause and examine our progress towards racial justice, equity and inclusivity. And the truth is, while we’ve made headway in many areas, there is much more to do. In fact, the potency – and potential – of this moment in our nation’s history demands we do more.

To build on our existing foundation and identify meaningful, measurable steps to take moving forward, Starbucks leadership is spending more time listening to and learning from thousands of partners and our Partner Networks, particularly our Black Partner Network (BPN). You saw the result of this recently concerning dress code and our decision to make sure partners feel seen, heard and valued. It’s also through conversations with BPN and allies, we decided Starbucks will stand in solidarity with our black partners to celebrate freedom and condemn oppression by recognizing <a href="http://www.juneteenth.com/history.htm">Juneteenth</a> as an annual U.S. company holiday. As shared earlier today, just as we honor Martin Luther King Jr. each year, Starbucks will pause and reflect upon the ending of slavery in the U.S. on June 19th, the progress we’ve made, and the work ahead for us as a company and individuals. Our stores, distribution centers and plants will remain open and hourly, non-exempt partners who work will receive pay 1.5 times their regular rate. Salaried partners required to work will receive a holiday in lieu, and support partners will receive the day off with regular pay.

Of course, our work doesn’t stop here. Using our<a> </a><a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/an-update-on-starbucks-civil-rights-assessment/">Civil Rights Assessment</a> as a blueprint for progress, we’ll&nbsp;continue to listen and learn and do our part to help America live up to its ideals by creating tangible and lasting change within our culture and workforce, the communities we serve, and as citizens. Being a different kind of company has always required us to act with courage and tenacity, even more so now. We won’t always get it right, but our intentions are real, and we’ll continue to listen to our partners, take action and learn and grow from our mistakes. Please continue to share your thoughts on Workplace, the Partner Hub, and through our Partner Network leaders. With respect and gratitude, Kevin and Roz

Letter to Starbucks partners: Continuing to support racial justice with action - Starbucks Stories

Letter to Starbucks partners: Continuing to support racial justice with action

An open letter to Starbucks partners from Kevin Johnson, Starbucks chief executive officer and president, and Roz Brewer, Starbucks chief operating officer and group president, on both the progress and the work ahead for us as a company and individuals.

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https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/letter-to-partners-continuing-to-support-racial-justice-with-action/

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A letter to partners from Roz Brewer, Rossann Williams and Zing Shaw

We have always led with Our Mission and Values. Through every moment in our history, and in every crisis, Starbucks has come together to show: We will not be bystanders. This has never been more true than today.

These are alarming, uncertain times and people everywhere are hurting. You’ve told us you need a way to express yourself at work, asking:

Do you understand the black community is in pain?

We see you. We hear you. Black Lives Matter. That is a fact and will never change.

This movement is a catalyst for change, and right now, it’s telling us a lot of things need to be addressed so we can make space to heal.

As we talked about earlier this week, we’re designing new t-shirts with the graphic below to demonstrate our allyship and show we stand together in unity. Until these arrive, we’ve heard you want to show your support, so just be you. Wear your BLM pin or t-shirt. We are so proud of your passionate support of our common humanity. We trust you to do what’s right while never forgetting Starbucks is a welcoming third place where all are treated with dignity and respect.

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Designed for partners, by partners, our Starbucks Black Partner Network and allies created the t-shirt to recognize the historic significance of this time. Together, we’re saying: Black Lives Matter and it’s going to take ALL of us, working together, to affect change. That means using our voice to vote in our elections, volunteering in our black communities, joining local peaceful protests, ensuring our diverse slates of job candidates translate into diverse hires, mentoring and sponsoring partners of color so they can reach their maximum potential and taking steps to build greater understanding with empathy. Most importantly, it means ensuring we create a safe third place where you are seen, heard and valued.

You’ll receive additional operational guidance by Monday, June 15.

Your partners, Roz, Rossann and Zing

Standing together against racial injustice - Starbucks Stories

Standing together against racial injustice

A letter to partners from Roz Brewer, Rossann Williams and Zing Shaw.

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https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/standing-together-against-racial-injustice/

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A letter to Starbucks U.S. partners from Kevin Johnson, Starbucks ceo and president

Last night we called for a partner forum for any Starbucks partners who felt compelled to join a conversation about the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor and the many other racial injustices that have shaken the entire country and each one of us. And today, on a Saturday, two thousand partners – many joined by family members -- came together virtually to share stories, express emotions, and support one another as we all try to make sense of what is happening in our society.

As we all deal with our personal feelings and experiences through this, there are important questions in front of us. How can we help each other heal, and how can we contribute to society in a positive and constructive way on the topic of racism and injustice?

During this afternoon’s 90-minute forum, Zing Shaw, our global chief inclusion and diversity officer at Starbucks, shared Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s quote: “A riot is the language of the unheard. What is it that America has failed to hear?” She stressed the importance of us listening to each other and the power of acknowledging the work that we need to do as a country and as a society.

Today was an opportunity for us to listen to one another as partners. &nbsp;

Shaun Spearmon, a program manager at Starbucks, said that as a Black man, he lives with the reality that far too many in the world don’t value his life, something he had to learn as a child – and something he worries about every day as he raises a young son. “I’m terrified his experience will be like mine,” he said.

The solution starts with a sense of urgency about change, he said. “Racism and the targeting of people of color and of Black men has to be our problem, not just mine. It needs to be shared by all of us. Our lives literally depend on it.”

Other partners also courageously shared their stories. Kris Clemmons, a director of regional operations, U.S. field operations, talked out how his great grandparents were born into slavery. They could have looked back at their history and, based on that, not had reason to think anything would change going forward but, still, they dreamed of a different life.

“I am the descendent of believers in the impossible,” Kris said. “But for their dream, I wouldn’t be here. … It reminds me of my duty to dream the impossible for future generations.” 

That dreaming isn’t a passive activity, he said, people can donate money to organizations working to dismantle racial oppression and vote and fight to protect the rights of others to vote.

Toward the end of the session, Zing told us that she wakes each morning asking herself two questions: “If not me, who? If not now, when?” She challenged us to ask ourselves those questions, to listen to the answer and to use it to understand the difference we can make.

“We must remain optimistic,” she told us. “We must be honest about the situation and be open to listen and learn. We must be willing to take positive steps forward. That’s what I think we are doing by having this session.”

We have always believed in being a different kind of company. Today was an example of that – and we will continue having these conversations. Roz Brewer and I are grateful for the partners who led today’s discussion including Zing, Kris, Shaun, Camille Hymes and Adam Modzel who all shared their stories and participated in the conversation with our partners. I appreciate all who joined us and for those who shared their very important and unique perspectives on the events our country is grappling with. &nbsp;

While we may not have all the answers, we know the path forward requires these courageous conversations with one another. As I shared at the close of today’s meeting it is, in part, our promise to one another as partners to live our mission and values daily. We are a family. We act with empathy and compassion. And we honor our differences, always. We uplift each other. Because that is what true Starbucks partners do.

Letter from ceo: Courageous conversations in the wake of George Floyd’s murder - Starbucks Stories

Letter from ceo: Courageous conversations in the wake of George Floyd’s murder

During a Starbucks partner forum, thousands of partners and members of their families joined virtually to address the question of how we can help each other heal and contribute to society in a positive way when it comes to ending racism and injustice, writes Kevin Johnson, chief executive officer of Starbucks.

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https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/letter-from-ceo-courageous-conversations-in-the-wake-of-george-floyds-murder/

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An open letter to Starbucks partners from Rossann Williams, evp and president, U.S. company-operated business and Canada

When we began navigating the COVID-19 crisis together, we made a commitment to you to do everything we can to care for your health, safety and well-being. This focus allowed us all to take timely, proactive steps, including closing our cafes and expanding our safety protocols to exceed national and local health guidance whenever possible. As the crisis began to peak, forcing more than 38 million Americans out of work, we stood strong, together, and built the most comprehensive set of temporary COVID-19 benefits to support our partners, including Service Pay to recognize your hard work and efforts as we modified operations, Catastrophe Pay for you to take care of yourself and your family, as well as expanded mental health, childcare, food and beverage benefits. Most importantly, with Our Mission and Values at our core, we showed up for each other and our communities with courage, strength and resilience to do what we do best: inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.&nbsp;

Our intent is to keep partners safe and employed as we rebuild our business, safely and responsibly. I am especially grateful for all the partners – in our stores, and our support centers – who continue to work around the clock to reimagine what’s possible as we modify stores and adapt to new ways of operating. Yet, even as we re-open more than 85% of our stores here in the U.S., and know from our experience in China, we are not immune to the widespread economic impacts of COVID-19. Customer routines and occasions have changed – for all retailers – and it will take some time to recover. As many of you are already seeing, the need for modified operations and reduced store hours as well as economic impacts and shifted consumer behaviors are unfortunately impacting our partner hours.

I know that many of you have been having open and honest conversations with your managers since early May about your individual needs and expectations. Your feedback has been critical as we consider how to best support partners who are not getting the hours they need, including implementing a new&nbsp;COVID-19 Leave of Absence&nbsp;policy for partners who prefer to take an unpaid leave through Sept. 30 and accrue up to 20 hours per week toward benefits eligibility. On this leave, partners will be able to keep their existing benefits like Lyra, Headspace, Spotify, Care@Work, the Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP), and our food/beverage benefits, and explore any COVID-19 federal and state unemployment compensation they may be eligible for, such as $600 per week of unemployment assistance under the CARES Act. In addition, Starbucks will pay your health care premiums in full while on leave, if you are currently enrolled in one of our plans.

Thousands of partners are already taking advantage of our 30-day Personal Leave of Absence policy and we want to help make sure partners can now make use of the COVID-19 Leave of Absence if they do not have enough hours available to them during this economic crisis. I know that&nbsp;every partner’s situation is deeply personal, and each store’s business needs look quite different.&nbsp;For instance, some partners may prefer to continue working in a store, even though we anticipate that there will initially be a reduced number of hours to offer partners as we rebuild the business. Other partners may prefer to take an unpaid COVID-19 Leave of Absence so they can leverage unemployment compensation and feel supported with their current healthcare plan and benefits, while taking the time to stay home or care for a loved one. I know some partners who are facing reduced hours may prefer to take this opportunity to pursue a different path outside Starbucks, and we are considering how to best support and care for these partners as well.

I know you will all have lots of questions for us, and please know that&nbsp;we will get you all of the information and details, with complete transparency, next week, so you have the support needed to fully understand the different options, based on your store’s needs as well as your personal preferences. This week, we are supporting your district managers in assessing what their stores need, given the economic impacts of COVID-19. Following that, next week, we will connect with your store managers, so they have all the details about our partner care options, including the COVID-19 Leave of Absence. Your store managers will then connect with each of you personally to understand your needs, expectations, and preferences, so we can do what’s best for each store and support you.

As I’ve said before, this is truly our&nbsp;defining moment&nbsp;– and it rings more true each day. Whether you are in the store, field or support center, we all have a responsibility to do everything we can to safely get our stores back in business so we can protect as many partner hours as possible. This is our time to come together and drive our best thinking on how we are going to create Best Moments for our customers, adapt to their new routines, and continue to be that beacon of hope in our communities.

As we do this, you have our word – and my personal commitment – that we will always keep partner care front and center, especially as we continue to weather the economic crisis ahead. Because we trust in you. We believe in you. And in my heart, I know that we will emerge from this stronger, more resilient than ever before.

A letter to partners: Partner care as we rebuild from COVID-19 - Starbucks Stories

A letter to partners: Partner care as we rebuild from COVID-19

Starbucks is implementing a new COVID-19 Leave of Absence policy for partners who prefer to take an unpaid leave through Sept. 30.

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https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/a-letter-to-partners-partner-care-as-we-rebuild-from-covid-19/