The National Consumers League, a consumer advocacy group in the United States has filed a lawsuit against Starbucks, alleging the company is deceiving the public by promoting a “100% ethical” sourcing commitment while buying coffee and tea from suppliers with “documented, severe human rights and labour abuses.” The case, representing American consumers, cites instances of abuses on farms in Guatemala, Kenya and Brazil. Meanwhile, Starbucks workers in nearly 400 US stores have voted in favour of union representation with IUF affiliate Workers United/SEIU, but the company has so far responded with a fierce anti-union campaign and faces over 1300 alleged violations of federal labour law.
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- In Brazil, government officials have cracked down on several Starbucks suppliers over reportedly abusive and unsafe labour practices in recent years, including garnishing the cost of harvesting equipment from farm workers’ wages, employing underaged workers, and not providing clean drinking water, personal protective equipment or bathrooms
- In Guatemala, suppliers of Starbucks and Nespresso were found using child labour at coffee bean farms; UK-based journalists found children under the age of 13 working long hours for minimal pay
- In Kenya, more than 70 women workers were sexually abused by their supervisors on tea farms that supplied Starbucks; a statement was then issued by Starbucks, denying the accusations and claiming active engagement with farms to uphold ethical standards
Neha Cremin, a Starbucks worker and union leader from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, stated: “This is the same company that’s been trying to undermine our union, racking up hundreds of labor law violations. Whether we pick coffee beans or serve lattes, Starbucks has made it clear that they don’t respect workers. They’re only interested in maximizing their profits – no matter what. The right to a union is a human right. We all deserve safe, fair jobs and a say at work. That’s why in 2024, we’re still fighting for a fair contract and demanding Starbucks start bargaining in good faith.”
