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Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind

Full History - 2020 - 04 - 20 - ID#g4zc42
18
Still weary about returning to work, is it possible to be laid off? (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by SilenceGaia
I am trying to navigate my options and understand the best course of action.
The near-future still feels very uncertain. I am considering returning to my store for small shifts, in order to stay connected. However, I live with someone extremely vulnerable and had major paranoia about exposing them with every shift worked amidst this crisis. I love this job, but the nature of the work has changed.
My other alternatives seem to be - taking a leave of absence or filing for unemployment (?).
Is it even possible to be laid off from Starbucks?
Maybe this is inappropriate to ask - but I have not seen any other commentary on this and would like to know your thoughts / insights. Hoping to be educated in moving forward so that I can make the right decision.

Thank you.
_Pulltab_ 9 points 3y ago
Your options are to extend CAT pay if you qualify, (but I’m not sure what constitutes qualification beyond having school aged children at home), taking an unpaid 30 day LOA, or quitting. You will not be eligible for unemployment for the LOA or if you quit and Starbucks isn’t going to lay you off. They have been clear that partners can return to work.

Sorry, it’s a shitty set of options for you.
Ziaheart 3 points 3y ago
If you live with someone who is extremely vulnerable I think that may qualify even if they're not school-aged. I'd call Partner Resources and ask just in case.
SilenceGaia [OP] 2 points 3y ago
It seemed to only be the case if you needed to be able to care for your children. They have been rather short and scripted with me.
Ziaheart 1 points 3y ago
That's unfortunate. Sorry to hear.
SilenceGaia [OP] 1 points 3y ago
Thank you very much. It seemed unlikely to be laid off, but this situation is a bit tangled so I was unsure. Leave of Absence was my option. Best to you all!
dittyquadrant 9 points 3y ago
I am in the same exact boat. I spoke to my DM this morning and he suggested that I contact PR to extend cat pay to the end of the month. After that, we can talk about a separation. I feel you. Everything is up in the air and no knows the exact answers. Also, my state department of labor won’t answer any calls (I’m in NY).
SilenceGaia [OP] 3 points 3y ago
I hope that PR comes through for you with empathy. The intensity of your situation / location lays an incredible weight, even with pay. Thank you for sharing your experience. The effort involved in navigating this is daunting and I commend you for exhausting all channels. However great the pressure, may you come out of this refined and fully aware of your strengths and capacity to live the life you want; even if that is ultimately beyond Starbucks. Good luck to you.
BuffyBoltonVampFlayr 2 points 3y ago
>I spoke to my DM this morning and he suggested that I contact PR to extend cat pay to the end of the month.

So... is your DM suggesting that individual people's CAT pay could possibly be extended even after the SAHO gets lifted???1

Cause I highly doubt corporate would do that, but also in the off chance that that *is* what your DM is implying, well that would be pretty fuckin cool
NOTcreative- 3 points 3y ago
If you live with someone who can be compromised you’re still eligible for cat pay through the end of May. Other options are using vacation or sick time or taking an LOA. Starbucks is focused on keeping people employed when we’re at a 30% unemployment rate nationally so you won’t be laid off.
[deleted] 1 points 3y ago
[deleted]
SilenceGaia [OP] 1 points 3y ago
My SM knows of my circumstances and still said my only option was to take a LOA, I began the process a few days ago. I appreciate the insight, however. Wish that was the case but it isn't being implemented. I'm just satisfied to know that I am doing what I can to protect my loved one, this loss means nothing to me compared to her.
SilenceGaia [OP] 1 points 3y ago
I don't know if they're just jaded by this situation or indifferent, but little empathy or initiative has been shown in navigating the supportive end - rather, trying to organize everyone getting back to the grind. Its understandable, but that's why I'm here.
sacredgoodbyes 3 points 3y ago
in the same boat. the leave of absence seems to be the best bet.
SilenceGaia [OP] 1 points 3y ago
I think so too. I am grateful to have been able to take a step back. Was awesome for the company to support that. But, I still think it's too soon and would rather wait a bit to reintegrate. I hope you're doing well and are comfortable where you are.
[deleted] 1 points 3y ago
[deleted]
BeardiesRule112 4 points 3y ago
My store just shut down for 2 weeks because a partner was positive for covid. It’s still happening.
SilenceGaia [OP] 1 points 3y ago
Be well x
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