Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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Religious Accomodations at Starbucks (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by subaruforesters
On my application and during my interview I mentioned that I can’t work Friday nights or Saturdays because of religious reasons, but I have completely open availability otherwise. The manager who interviewed me kept pushing me to make myself available Saturdays, but I told her that wasn’t an option and I was still hired anyway.
Today she let me know that she wants me to come in for training on....... Saturday. Which is also one of the most major holidays of the year for me. I reminded her that I can’t work Saturdays but she told me that she needs me to, because she hired multiple people and wants us to start training on the same day.
So I guess I’m just wondering if anyone knows if Starbucks has any sort of policies for religious accommodations or if anyone has dealt with anything like this? Is this normal? Sorry if I sound dumb, this is my first job. I don’t want to be difficult about it and get fired but I also don’t want to let my boundaries be ignored so I don’t know what to do.
Today she let me know that she wants me to come in for training on....... Saturday. Which is also one of the most major holidays of the year for me. I reminded her that I can’t work Saturdays but she told me that she needs me to, because she hired multiple people and wants us to start training on the same day.
So I guess I’m just wondering if anyone knows if Starbucks has any sort of policies for religious accommodations or if anyone has dealt with anything like this? Is this normal? Sorry if I sound dumb, this is my first job. I don’t want to be difficult about it and get fired but I also don’t want to let my boundaries be ignored so I don’t know what to do.
_Pulltab_ 11 points 2y ago
The law states they have to accommodate religious practices and beliefs, including holidays and holy days, “unless doing so would cause more than a minimal burden on the operations”. Starbucks is big enough that it would be difficult to claim a burden and there are no policies about having required or mandatory days. In addition, you made it very plain during the interview and the manager didn’t suggest that they couldn’t accommodate that.
I would call the DM and/or PRC.
I would call the DM and/or PRC.
hecaete47 9 points 2y ago
CALL THE DISTRICT MANAGER. This is NOT okay. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits religious discrimination in the workplace ($1). You absolutely could file a charge against Starbucks if you face repercussions for not attending training during Rosh Hashanah. You already have told the manager you can't work Friday nights or Saturdays; this is not an undue burden upon the manager, she is just being an asshole. This is not normal and it's not just at the level of company policy, it's covered under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Nalin90 7 points 2y ago
Reach out to your DM and refuse to work. Be firm with your SM. You have every right to religious accommodations. Also Happy New Year!
coffeecat7918 7 points 2y ago
Definitely not normal, the manager is not respecting your religious needs. I believe there is a policy but I don’t have it in front of me currently. Don’t back down from it. We had multiple people need off the same days at my store for religious reasons and it was always respected, as it should be.
They don’t “need” you to, they want you to because it’s convenient for them. If you back down on this one, they’ll probably continue to try and schedule you on those days going forward. Just tell them you’re sorry, but due to your religious beliefs you are absolutely not available, and that you told them upfront in your interview about these days and it is non negotiable.
If this chain will recognize Christian holidays, then they should respect partners needs for other religions.
They don’t “need” you to, they want you to because it’s convenient for them. If you back down on this one, they’ll probably continue to try and schedule you on those days going forward. Just tell them you’re sorry, but due to your religious beliefs you are absolutely not available, and that you told them upfront in your interview about these days and it is non negotiable.
If this chain will recognize Christian holidays, then they should respect partners needs for other religions.
littlelaw121 5 points 2y ago
Nooooooooo. This is federal law, and also Starbucks policy, because Starbucks is not a fan of what happens when they break federal laws. You have been clear from before you were hired that you can't work Saturdays and require that religious accommodation. This isn't new information for your manager, she needs to accommodate you, and if she retaliates against you for refusing to work on Saturday, you could sue. This should be an EASY fix to have someone pop in to train you Sunday instead (why am I confident that the second day of everyone's training isn't already scheduled for Sunday? Because it's harder to schedule people on Sundays. Why? BECAUSE OF RELIGIOUS REASONS!)
I understand that you feel at an incredible power disadvantage here, but you were hired with this known restriction. You can stand your ground on this one.
I understand that you feel at an incredible power disadvantage here, but you were hired with this known restriction. You can stand your ground on this one.
SchemingPancake 2 points 2y ago
This!! Stand your ground! You’re in the right here! Sending you good vibes and peace as you navigate this. Also Happy New Year!
Guilty_Owlz 3 points 2y ago
Definitely call the District Manager and if they don't do anything, kick it up to Partner Resources/PRC! Super not okay and I'm sorry you have to deal with this, especially this weekend.
Shanah Tovah U'metukah!
Shanah Tovah U'metukah!
NothingToSeeFolks 3 points 2y ago
That’s definitely not normal and definitely not okay!! I’ve worked at a few different stores and never worked on Shabbat or Chaggim. And never was given a hard time about it. Like other people on here have said, talk to your DM (district manager) or called PRC (partner resource center). I’m sorry you’re dealing with this.
Shana Tova!
Shana Tova!
AndrewtheRey 3 points 2y ago
You don’t sound dumb. It sounds like that manager is giving you a tough time and also doesn’t understand Judaism. Starbucks corporate definitely is not opposed to allowing baristas scheduling around religious activities. You should let the manager know that you cannot come in on Saturday’s and unfortunately if she doesn’t budge you might ask to call the District manager or just seek a new job.
Sammiche 3 points 2y ago
I can't answer in any constructive fashion, but I think it's funny that last night, my shiftmates and I were discussing an unrelated chain of retail stores and their religious policies, and I'd pointed out that if they were following X religion, their employees would be off on Saturday instead of Sunday.
Anyway, happy new year!
Anyway, happy new year!
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