The coronavirus pandemic is upending daily life across the United States.
As people shelter in their homes during the lockdown, restaurants, and bars have been indefinitely closed in a bid to slow the spread of the virus. For those establishments that have remained open, like Starbucks, operations have shifted to the drive-thru, delivery, or takeout only systems. Still, even these options may be removed depending on how bad things become.
However, Kevin Johnson, the President, and CEO of Starbucks moved to assure its partners that they will be paid for the next 30 days whether they report for work or not.
Johnson explained in a letter that was posted to the Starbucks website that he wants the company to be a model during this time of crisis and doesn’t want to make employees choose between work and health.
“I am inspired by our Starbucks store partners around the world who proudly wear the green apron and who are rising to the occasion. They demonstrate our resilience and our commitment to the communities we serve,” he wrote.
“I believe it is the responsibility of every business to care for its employees during this time of uncertainty, shared sacrifice, and common cause,” he added. “I hope to see many business leaders across this country doing all they can to retain jobs, pay employees, continue benefits, and demonstrate compassion as they make critical decisions. Not every decision is a financial one.”
Rossann Williams, Starbucks’ executive vice president and president of the U.S. company-operated business and Canada, also instituted Service Pay for those partners working through the lockdown period “as a show of gratitude, appreciation, and recognition for the courage they are displaying for their communities.”
What this means is that partners who are able and choose to report for work get an additional $3 per hour for their scheduled shifts until April 19. Should they opt not to report for work, they can make use of catastrophe pay until the same date.
The numerous shop closures have prompted Starbucks to pledge its continued support to its workers.
Chains like 7-Eleven and Domino’s are actually trying to hire tens of thousands of additional workers because of rising demand throughout the United States. In the meantime, grocery stores such as Trader Joe’s are putting up “special bonus pools” and giving extra pay to their workers, job occupations that have been classified as “essential.”
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