Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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Not receiving breaks (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by Kyenne_Pepper123
It’s gotten to the point where I getting fed up with a new shift at my store. She’s only been here for maybe 2-3 weeks and I’m already not so keen of her mainly due to how she handles breaks. I will be the first closer on the floor yet the last one to receive any type of break. For my 30, I either go 45 minutes before closing because people either take to long with their breaks or “forgets” to put me on mine. Yesterday I didn’t even receive on which means I was literally standing in DT for 5+ hours and when I asked she said you’re not getting one. I guess it’s nice that they let me leave at 6 and not 6:30 but I know it’s so my SM doesn’t asks why didn’t I take a meal break if I had stayed my whole shift. idk how long I can take no being able to receive my breaks when needed. Baristas shouldn’t have to ask to receive the breaks they deserve.
PoppyPancakes 21 points 3y ago
Talk to your SM and hopefully they will talk to your SSV about it
When I first became a SSV I was bad at getting breaks done in a timely manner because I just didn’t know how to manage my time, but taking a meal 45 min before the end of your shift? Not cool.
When I first became a SSV I was bad at getting breaks done in a timely manner because I just didn’t know how to manage my time, but taking a meal 45 min before the end of your shift? Not cool.
okeekee 10 points 3y ago
The SSV’s inability to plan shouldn’t hurt you. If you’ve already talked to the shift and nothing has changed, go to your ASM or SM. Have a list of every break you haven’t received or have received too late. It can be framed as a coaching opportunity, and speaking from experience before I became a shift, if you let this keep going they’re going to take advantage of you not saying anything to them or the SM.
And just saying it louder for the people in the back: as a barista you are not responsible for making sure you get a break!! That’s one of the things the shift is paid more to do
And just saying it louder for the people in the back: as a barista you are not responsible for making sure you get a break!! That’s one of the things the shift is paid more to do
colonade17 8 points 3y ago
I'd start by having a conversation with her about it. New shifts sometimes struggle to keep up with everything at first, especially in a new store. It's fine to remind her that you were due for your break 10 minutes ago.
If that doesn't help then take it to the SM.
If that doesn't help then take it to the SM.
Kyenne_Pepper123 [OP] 5 points 3y ago
She’s not a new shift, she’s been one for over a year. But I’ll talk to her.
PossibleWishbone1 5 points 3y ago
Talk to them about it. I might be wrong but it’s illegal for them to not give you a break after five hours of working.
Kyenne_Pepper123 [OP] 2 points 3y ago
It’s illegal if they dont give you a break once you hit the 6 hour mark. Starbucks is now changing the way they do breaks to where now if if you for from 12-6, you take a 15 and a 30 to prevent something like this from happening.
colonade17 2 points 3y ago
It's only illegal in a few states, I think just CA and NY. In most states there are no legally mandated breaks. Starbucks just made the most generous labor laws their nationwide policy.
different_as_can_be 1 points 3y ago
when i worked at a fast food restaurant in MI, it was illegal to go 5 hours without a 30 minute lunch break. now that i work in WV, it’s 6 hours without a 30 minute break. my store would get in trouble all the time bc i’d be scheduled for 6 hours and work over. and when i’d remind my SSV, they’d snap at me and tell me to get over it.
colonade17 1 points 3y ago
The SM was probably banking on most baristas not knowing better or not actually do anything about it.
PossibleWishbone1 1 points 3y ago
Jesus Christ, what in the modern day slavery??? I’m so sorry! Wtf that’s insane.
Kyenne_Pepper123 [OP] 1 points 3y ago
It’s also illegal in MD. In MD if your working 6+ hours that have to give you a meal break of at least 30 min. So in MD the brake require MD go as follows:
0-6 you get at least at 10
6-8 you get a 30
8+ you get an additional 10
0-6 you get at least at 10
6-8 you get a 30
8+ you get an additional 10
sofpha 4 points 3y ago
Do you have access to your daily coverage report? Our store has them prinited out and accessible to everyone, so usually even baristas are able to look at when their breaks are ~ supposed to be given. The general rule is 2 hours in a break should be given and dependent on state needs to be given before the 5 hour mark of your shift (8 hour/day shift). When your scheduled break time comes maybe give a reminder and state you came in first? That way you can approach your sm and tell them they are clearly not giving you your scheduled breaks in the proper order with evidence. Im not sure how much weight the coverage report holds with your sm tho.
echowolf9 3 points 3y ago
OP definitely needs to be getting their breaks, and they should talk to their store manager, but the DCR is often not followed by shifts. They often suggest the only three people working take a break at the same time.
If there are two baristas working I will give whoever got there first a lunch, then the other barista, than I’ll go. I was always taught that supervisors should be the last to go on their lunch.
If there are two baristas working I will give whoever got there first a lunch, then the other barista, than I’ll go. I was always taught that supervisors should be the last to go on their lunch.
Kyenne_Pepper123 [OP] 3 points 3y ago
Yea we do and I notified my shift that I needed a break and she said “no barista A is doing tips so you have to sacrifice your 30. But we’ll just have you leave early to not get in trouble for it.”
sofpha 5 points 3y ago
You definitely need to have a conversation with your sm then. That is not legal nor starbucks policy. Tips are scheduled as non coverage anyways so that shouldnt affect your break.
Kyenne_Pepper123 [OP] 2 points 3y ago
Yea the barista doing tips was doing it on the clock and when I was told I could go on break because of that I looked at her like wtf
funnyfukkinfiend 3 points 3y ago
Wow I'm sorry you're dealing with that. Im a shift myself but if anyone's break is being missed it's definitely mine, I ALWAYS make sure my baristas get their breaks.
Also not to be the instigator but does anyone else's breaks get missed or pushed around? Cause if it's only you I would also mention that as it's not a teaching moment but personal.
Also not to be the instigator but does anyone else's breaks get missed or pushed around? Cause if it's only you I would also mention that as it's not a teaching moment but personal.
Kyenne_Pepper123 [OP] 1 points 3y ago
It’s literally only me
okeekee 4 points 3y ago
If it’s only you, that start broaching into favoritism territory and can turn messy really quickly. I would definitely go to your SM ASAP with evidence. And definitely agree with the other comment - if a break is skipped it should be the SSV because it is their job to plan the shift and breaks.
PossibleWishbone1 2 points 3y ago
Oh, that’s probably why. I live in NYC. I thought the law applied to all Starbucks restaurants nationwide.
Kyenne_Pepper123 [OP] 2 points 3y ago
Nah sadly. Break laws vary by state
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