Truth matters. In response to misinformation, we’re sharing the facts on what Starbucks believes and stands for.
At Starbucks, truth and transparency are essential to fulfilling our mission, upholding our promises and living our values. So, when misinformation about our company spreads at lightning speed in an increasingly polarized world, we believe it’s critical to respond with facts and to reiterate our position on key issues.
Due to ongoing false and misleading information being shared about Starbucks, we are consolidating some of the most frequently asked questions about the brand – and responding with facts.
What has Starbucks said about the conflict in Israel and Gaza?
Our position remains unchanged. Starbucks stands for humanity. We condemn violence, the loss of innocent life and all hate and weaponized speech. Despite false statements spread through social media, we have no political agenda. We do not use our profits to fund any government or military operations anywhere – and never have. Related links: Message from Laks: A community we call Starbucks Letter from Starbucks ceo: Affirming what we stand for Starbucks condemns acts of terror and escalating violence, strongly disagrees with statements made by Workers United Message from Sara: Supporting our partners during the ongoing Israel-Gaza attacks
Does Starbucks have a presence in the Middle East?
Yes. Starbucks has been in the Middle East for over 20 years. About 19,000 green apron partners (employees) throughout the region serve millions of customers each day. Local business partner Alshaya Group operates nearly 2,000 Starbucks stores across the Middle East and North Africa region. In the region, we currently only have stores in Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and United Arab Emirates. Despite false statements spread through social media, we have no political agenda. We do not use our profits to fund any government or military operations anywhere – and never have. Related links: Facts about Starbucks in the Middle East
Is Starbucks a political organization?
No. We have no political agenda. We do not use our profits to fund any government or military operations anywhere – and never have. Related links: Facts about Starbucks in the Middle East
What has Starbucks said about misinformation on social media?
False statements that have been made about who we are and what we stand for are being shared through social media. This misinformation has led to isolated acts of violence and vandalism in some stores around the world. It is critical that we set the record straight. Related links: Message from Laks: A community we call Starbucks Letter from Starbucks ceo: Affirming what we stand for
Why did Starbucks file litigation against Workers United?
Starbucks took legal action to protect the safety of our partners and retail operations and to end misuse by Workers United of Starbucks name and logos when expressing its views. In early October, statements about the conflict in the Middle East were posted on social media using our company logo and name, which were then mistakenly attributed to Starbucks instead of Workers United and its affiliates/representatives. The inaccurate attribution of these statements to Starbucks has created confusion, leading to threats to our partners, damage to our stores, and calls for boycott. To be clear, Starbucks respects others’ right to express their own viewpoints about the conflict in the Middle East and other political and social issues. However, Starbucks does not approve of the misuse of Starbucks name and logos when expressing those views. Related links: Read the full legal filing here (Starbucks Corporation v. Workers United)
What is happening with Starbucks and labor unions?
Our partners are the core of our business, and we are committed to providing every person who wears the green apron a bridge to a better future. For those partners who have chosen to freely associate and bargain collectively, fulfilling that promise means working earnestly to progress negotiations towards first contracts that address the unique needs of each union-represented store. In 2023, a majority of shareholders approved a resolution calling for an independent, third-party assessment of Starbucks commitment to the principles of freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining. The assessment is direct and clear there is no evidence Starbucks has, or has used, an "anti-union playbook." It affirms the company has provided consistent reassurances to partners that Starbucks respects their right to collectively organize through fairly conducted elections. The assessment also concludes that Starbucks has had no intention to deviate from the principles of freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining. There are things the company can, and should, do to improve its stated commitments and its adherence to these important principles. In the last year, the company reached a third collective bargaining agreement in Canada with the United Steelworkers, and negotiations are progressing with other represented stores in Canada. Additionally, in the U.S., Starbucks reached out to Workers United – on behalf of represented partners - to ask them to work with the company to break the gridlock and agree to a collective bargaining process with the hopeful goal of reaching agreements in 2024. Related links: For the US: one.starbucks.com For Canada: one.starbuckscanada.ca Read the full legal filing here (Starbucks Corporation v. Workers United) Starbucks Reaffirms Its Commitment to the Principles of Freedom of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining Letter from Starbucks Independent Board Chair: Freedom of Association Assessment Message from Sara: Our Outreach to Resume Contract Bargaining with Workers United