Letter to the editor: Boycott Starbucks

Starbucks employees started unionization efforts in 2021. The company has been blocking their efforts, sometimes with intimidation and illegal activity such as firing employees who were trying to unionize (“Fueled by anger and caffeine, 200 Starbucks workers strike in Pittsburgh area,” Dec. 24, TribLive).

The new CEO of Starbucks was brought in last year with a $1.6 million salary, a $10 million signing bonus, $75 million in stock options and an annual cash bonus for a jaw-dropping total worth up to $113 million.

Compare that with the salary of their workers, who each day do the jobs that allow the company to give the CEO that extravagant package. The average Starbucks worker makes $13.24 an hour, or $27,539.20 a year. The Pennsylvania cost of living for one person is $49,040, so their workers are at poverty level while the CEO is making millions.

This is a disgrace taking place in a country that has prospered from its labor force. You can help correct this injustice and support these workers by boycotting Starbucks. This action will make the company recognize the need to provide a decent income for their employees. We all need to be more aware of the widening gap between workers’ salaries and the extravagant packages CEOs get.

Our tax dollars should not be supplementing the income of workers whose companies fail to provide a living wage while giving outrageous rewards to CEOs. Labor Day should be recognized every day by respecting the workforce that enables our country to function. Unions help to do that.

Katie Forsythe

North Huntingdon