Corporate Policy

For those of you not aware of Starbucks union busting efforts, do a google search for it. With that being said, heres my story.

I just recently started work at a corporate
Starbucks in Chattanooga, TN as a barista. I work
about 20 hours a week--typically. I had an
interesting situation arise tonight and was interested
in what you all had to say. I was slated to work
4PM-1230AM. Well this girl volunteered to work the
8pm-1230am part. So, tonite rolls along and shes not
there at 8 pm.

We call her. She doesn't answer. I had plans
after work so I could not stay. I start to till out
and ask the shift supervisor for the 20's in the
lockbox. She asks me why I'm tilling out and I
explain the scenario. I say it is the girl's fault
for not showing up and not mine. I explain that if I
had been informed she was not going to be able to
fulfill the rest of my assigned shift, I would have
gladly finished working. But, since that wasn't the
case, I told the shift supervisor I was leaving. She
said that it was corporate policy that if the case
arises I have to work. I say, well that is all fine
and good.....but I am leaving because this is not my
problem.

How do you feel about this? I am a good employee
that is friendly, honest, courteous, and energetic. I
have never caused any problems. She said I would be
written up for being negligent. I told her to do
whatever her job entails and that I'll take it up with
the manager. I don't like corporate policy being
shoved down my throat. Tonite I felt like I "stuck it
to the man." I would be very curious to hear your
thoughts.

Thank You,
Van Patton

Read the employee manual, it's hard to say who is in the wrong. If you did not get the change approved, they probably can hold you responsible. People lie and unless there is a paper trail, it's not good policy to just go on someone's word.

What happens if she writes you up?

BTW, I am NOT suggesting you lied, just saying that's why it should be written.

You can be dismissed, "at will" for any reason, or for no reason.
The employee handbook, written by the boss, is not a contract, and therfore, not binding in any way. The boss can do whatever he wants. Try to remember this next time you wish to, "stick it to the man."

Some starbucks workers organized their shop in NYC. One of the organizers was aressted during the RNC, most likely at the behest of the manager of that same shop. You can read about it here:

http://www.iww.org/unions/iu660/starbucks/Starbucks18.shtml

You can learn all about their struggle here:

http://www.iww.org/unions/iu660/starbucks/

I hope it works out for you Van.
No peace without justice, Joe

I wear my GD Bears belt all the time and especially to work. Tons of people seem to dig it and the message that the GD embodied.

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