Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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Shift purposely(?) calling trans barista wrong pronouns. What can I do (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by [deleted]
[deleted]
Iprobmadethatmess 17 points 3y ago
This can actually be considered (and I find it extremely rude and discriminatory) discrimination and your shift can get into aLOT of trouble for doing this on purpose. I would bring this up with maybe your sm? I'm not sure all the steps to take or outlets yet, I'm still a green bean, but I know it's against their anti discrimination policy. Maybe your partner C can get the pronouns pin on the starbucks apparel site? I know they have 3 different pronoun pins and maybe that can help too?
retsehassyla 5 points 3y ago
The thing with the “on purpose” is it comes down to one persons word against hers. And there’s nothing that can be done to PROVE without a shadow of a doubt it was on purpose, but my gut felt she did it on purpose.
But I’m going to get him a pronoun pin for Christmas so hopefully that’ll help customers recognize. But darn it pisses me off so much that someone in a management position would be so disrespectful. I’ll talk to C, because it’s not my place to have the conversation with the SM, and maybe he’ll talk to the SM. If anything I forgot about the partner help line that we can call. But thank you so much for your help, it’s greatly appreciated.
But I’m going to get him a pronoun pin for Christmas so hopefully that’ll help customers recognize. But darn it pisses me off so much that someone in a management position would be so disrespectful. I’ll talk to C, because it’s not my place to have the conversation with the SM, and maybe he’ll talk to the SM. If anything I forgot about the partner help line that we can call. But thank you so much for your help, it’s greatly appreciated.
alter-n8-ive 7 points 3y ago
The thing with discrimination and harassment is that the emphasis is put on the impact, not the intent. Even though the supervisor may not have intended for it to be harmful/discriminatory/harassment (although it definitely sounds like they are), the impact for C is negative. Depending on where you are located will also play a role. I know that in Ontario, I refusing to use someone's chosen Pronouns is considered discrimination
retsehassyla 3 points 3y ago
I did not know that, thank you. This is really helpful. I’ll tell C about this and keep it in mind if the discussion with the store manager comes up. I’m not sure about my states laws, but I’ll look into it. Either way though I believe it does violate company policy. I know we fired a guy on the spot at one of my old stores for racism so this is really just a milder form of that. Thank you again for this!
Leahwallzorz 3 points 3y ago
And the fact that it’s been six months, at that point I think they’re going to have a hard time claiming ‘oh I just forget!’ Like bitch you’ve had half a year, if you take more than six months to respect someone’s gender when that’s obviously important to them your not doing you job.
lnologram 5 points 3y ago
Call Ethics & Compliance. I know the whole “talk to your manager/DM” thing but I’m a trans partner who used to have a SSV do the same damn thing to me. Not only is that against Starbucks’ rules, but depending on where you live it’s illegal (gender discrimination) regardless of “religion”. If you can get C to report it as well, so much the better. Good luck, and kick the bitch to the curb.
lovesmalamutes 5 points 3y ago
You could always call the PRSC to ask how to handle the situation.
muchlovexo 3 points 3y ago
technically you can even call prsc and report it anonymously but that would definitely kinda put them on the spot
colonade17 2 points 3y ago
Using the wrong pronouns is not acceptable. If talking to the people directly involved hasn't resolved the issue then the next step is to talk to the SM, if that doesn't work talk to the DM, if that doesn't work make a complaint through PRSC.
If the shift has religious beliefs here, that is not a valid excuse for using the wrong pronouns.
If the shift has religious beliefs here, that is not a valid excuse for using the wrong pronouns.
pumpkinsnice 1 points 3y ago
If you’re in California, thats considered discrimination and in some jobs (sadly not baristas), its a hate crime. Is your store manager aware? It’d be yours and your trans coworker’s word against the transphobic supervisor. If your manager doesn’t help, call partner resources to report the hostile work environment. Stand up for your trans coworker.
DM me if you’d like. I’m a trans supervisor and I can help hook you up with some resources.
DM me if you’d like. I’m a trans supervisor and I can help hook you up with some resources.
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