fired after 4 years of being a shift :)(self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by susiesaraglock
so im really having a tough time digesting this as a fair termination. i was fired for cussing and vaping in the store. the vaping thing is literally completely made up by another barista who is long story short, a firestarter and has gotten multiple people fired since starting including our sm and multiple baristas and another shift who got fired right after me. and i honestly feel like the root of this is transphobia. when she found out i was trans she literally said “im not calling a man a woman” and i told my sm about this day before yesterday. she still has her job and didnt even get talked to about it. another partner refused to use my pronouns as well and said transphobic remarks. they still have a job despite being late every single day and ncns’ing on multiple occasions. and the next day i lose my job because of a write up from 2018 for profanity making this a termination. 3 years later. while transphobic people still get to work there and i lose my job over an accusation which no one asked me about. what do you yall think? im honestly gutted and so scared rn. my rent is 1300 and i was making a decent wage from tenure and was about to get the company raise. does this sound like wrongful termination to yall?
pixieuppercut258 points1y ago
Given the information provided I would be raising hell. That’s not okay in any capacity and I’m sorry for your experience. Im not sure who you can contact but I highly recommend it. You are worth respect.
susiesaraglock [OP]54 points1y ago
im going to trust me. the response to this is so overwhelming and gives me lots of hope and reassurance thank u to everyone for the advice it really means soo much!!!!!
[deleted]11 points1y ago
I would reach out to your district manager or even the regional manager
goose_baby4 points1y ago
The PRSC might be a better bet.
spacebrain420235 points1y ago
100% wrongful. I would run to HR. I'm sorry this is happening to you!
Sarahthelizard35 points1y ago
Even the vaping is soooo easily disproven.
susiesaraglock [OP]25 points1y ago
literally…like where is the video?
Sarahthelizard24 points1y ago
Tell your DM and partner resources. Maybe talk to a lawyer (keep that part on the dl of course...)
claireisvibing155 points1y ago
call ethics!!!!!! i’m so sorry this happened to you, those partners should have absolutely had repercussions and the profanity thing seems wild to me. but your SM is not being responsible at all with their partners
jennyparks07136 points1y ago
Former SM here. Absolutely call partner resources!!! Was your DM there when you were let go? Does your DM know?!!! A 2018 write up should not count any longer as it was so long ago. This boils my blood you could 100% get a lawyer who fights for trans rights and let them know what happened. This is ridiculous! Did you actually vape in the store? I would 100% push back this is wrongful termination!!!
jennyparks0744 points1y ago
If there’s no proof then they aren’t doing their jobs by finding the truth and letting you go based on an accusation is ridiculous!!! Did you sign anything when you were let go? Make a note in a statement? Or did they force you to sign something with out telling you what it was?
susiesaraglock [OP]44 points1y ago
oh my god thank you so much. i have no idea about my dm but i assume she knew. there was a sm from another store there as well and she came to me while i was walking away and said “im so sorry i had no say in this but whatever u do u need to contest this and fight tooth and nail”. i do not vape in the store because why would i jeopardize my position like that? i was literally a developing shift. there is no proof of me vaping and thats what im bent about. it was only an accusation and they didnt even ask me if it happened?? and the cussing thing is stupid bc they decided to crackdown on it out of nowhere and they said “its ok if u slip up as long as u catch yourself” which i did. i didnt even ask questions all i said was im fighting this.
jennyparks0710 points1y ago
I would definitely reach out to the PRSC, I don’t remember the number but if you still have your hand book it would be in there. And here is the thing, this is 100% discriminatory. The write up is old and doesn’t hold any water, and there is no footage of vaping nor were you questioned on it. I would call partner resources and tell them you’re being discriminated against because you are trans. This is so wrong on so many levels. They have a bigger problem having transphobic partners who can blatantly behave in a way that does not up hold Starbucks mission and values. Call the Ethics and Compliance hotline 800-611-7792 if you are in the US, they are open 24/7 and explain the situation. You may even be compensated for time away from work for your wrongful termination. I KNOW that when they hear what happened. They will have your back because this is all sides of wrong! I wish you the best of luck!!!!
susiesaraglock [OP]13 points1y ago
thank u so much. ur literally an angel. i just submitted my termination appeal form. and ive already been in contact with ethics and a team at eeoc. fingers crossed for me please!!
jennyparks073 points1y ago
That is so great!!!! I’m rooting for you girl!!!! I’ve been thinking about you all day!! Fingers are crossed!!!
evilash8553 points1y ago
Write up clear after 6 months. They cannot use that as an excuse. Call corporate. That’s bull . I’m sorry that happened.
OversoulEdict40 points1y ago
I'm not saying to go to the news but you should contact corporate and if they don't help you (I really expect that they will) you should threaten to. Starbucks has definitely created an image of inclusiveness and that kind of behavior is disgusting and I'm sure they wouldn't want people knowing you were seemingly fired for being lgbtq+ when so many of their other employees are as well. I'm so sorry this happened to you, nobody deserves to be treated that way when you're just trying to make a living.
[deleted]25 points1y ago
Side note but have you applied for unemployment yet?
susiesaraglock [OP]18 points1y ago
not yet i plan to today, why do u ask?
[deleted]44 points1y ago
Because it’s the first thing you need to do after termination, esp with rent at $1300. Make sure to explain why you were wrongly fired too.
MattyScrant7 points1y ago
To add to what the comment below me says, be sure to check your state’s unemployment benefit requirements.
In my state, the eligibility requirements to qualify for unemployment after termination are so vague that there wouldn’t be a guarantee that you would be able to receive it unless you have hard, clear-cut evidence that it was wrongful. From what I gather in your post, and don’t take this the wrong way, this is more of a he said/she said kind of situation.
But agreed, be proactive and look up the stipulations for unemployment where you live. Good luck!
metrokid_9822 points1y ago
Dear god… I’m speechless. As a fellow LGBTQ partner, my heart hurts for you. Definitely contact the DM and HR, but amidst all of this please take care of yourself.
[deleted]12 points1y ago
Call an attorney, DM, ethics hotline, EEOC, and NLRB.
drinkliquidclocks11 points1y ago
I don't have any advice but you should have contacted corporate the moment they were transphobic. Sorry that happened to you, I wish you the best luck finding a better job :(
Squirrelylove10 points1y ago
A decent wage from tenure? How is this possible? I used to make more than the newer partners, but then minimum wage was raised and as a 13 YEAR partner I was making about a dollar more than BRAND NEW hires.
susiesaraglock [OP]7 points1y ago
i started at 9.37 got promoted 6 months to 12 and ive gotten 3 raises since then plus that company raise
Squirrelylove6 points1y ago
I started when min wage was $6 or 7. Worked my way up with maximum raises at every review (back when we had reviews and raises). I was capped for a few years so no raises during that period. When they finally lifted the cap, minimum wage got raised.
Sbux doesn't have a competitive pay. It used to be one of the perks of working there. You could get a min wage job and be paid above min wage.
MrsClaireUnderwood4 points1y ago
It was probably a relative comment.
Squirrelylove-2 points1y ago
Huh? Is this where you meant to post?
MrsClaireUnderwood0 points1y ago
Yes.
You wrote: "A decent wage from tenure?"
It's probably a relative statement, meaning decent wage compared to other wages made at Starbucks. As opposed to an absolute statement, because we all know we make shit money at Starbucks at any level.
edit: I don't understand why you're downvoting me lol.
Ashamed_Equal0 points1y ago
Long term partners get hire pay raises when they do the large raises … I am a 6 year partner, and I am making $2.75 above minimum
Squirrelylove0 points1y ago
Well, as a 13 year partner I can tell you that simply isn't true. Sbux ended up leveling the playing field when they gave raises across the board instead of merit and time worked based raises.
Less than $3 bucks more than a new hire is shite and I think we all know that
Ashamed_Equal0 points1y ago
It is true, because that is what I make above minimum. And 3% raises every year is actually not bad, that is standard for most companies (in and out of industry)
Squirrelylove0 points1y ago
The fast food industry?
thenewishone76546 points1y ago
Tweet and fb your story and tag Starbucks if they don't resolve this ASAP. I'm a boring, hick mom in Kansas and I love the individuality of all the baristas when I go to sbux and I really don't want to support any business that allows this. A 2018 write up is so dumb and they'd better have proof on camera if they claim it was about a vaping accusation.
It sounds lame, but I've had good luck when messaging various Corps on Facebook. Occasionally you reach a social media person who realizes what could be really bad for their brand and they work to fix it so it doesn't have to torn into a viral shaming. Which most people just want to be acknowledged and the people who wronged them to be held accountable.
If you had approached mgmt about the trans remarks they probably would have just sent the team member to training and they'd get to keep their jobs. I hate double standards.
Also it may sound silly, but I have had a lot
susiesaraglock [OP]1 points1y ago
its always worth a try. im desperate. thank u for ur support!!!
h2otower6 points1y ago
Sorry..I am too angry to read all the reply’s and want to tell you this firing as presented seems illegal. Starbucks HR is representing the best outcome for Starbucks. NOT YOU! Look up legal assistance available in your area. There is most likely one available who will work your case for free. No cost for you
sparkytheboomman6 points1y ago
This is so shocking honestly. I don’t have any advice beyond what all the other lovely people here have provided, but I’m here to say that I’m behind you! It absolutely does sound wrongful, both morally and also by Starbucks policy. You would have every right to fight this but if you decide not to (which would be completely understandable) I sincerely hope you find a better job where you’re respected and valued, as you should be.
kIose6 points1y ago
Has anyone else ever seen you vape inside the store? Odd to go off one person's testimony only, especially if you never had a habit of doing that in the first place.
Ashamed_Equal3 points1y ago
This was my first thought too, and also odd that they are not investigating someone who continuously makes false claims that result in people getting terminated.
But then, I remembered an experience from my personal life where the SM would pick favorites and listen only to the favorite barista. I met with that SM to report multiple instances of harassment from her, and my SM always responded with “ill talk to her” and it never went anywhere. Then the SM basically treated me like shit (telling everyone that they’re doing a good job except for me, not allowing me to be on bar during red cup day even tho I was the most senior partner at the time… and quickest on bar, telling me that I’m not good enough a lot, and not acknowledging my existence as a customer after transferring to a new store… literally going out of her way to improve customer connection score for everyone but me). Sometimes, SMs don’t want their favorites to be impacted by something, so someone else has to pay the price.
susiesaraglock [OP]2 points1y ago
this is exactly whats happening. and its hard trying to appeal and say this girl is literally after anybody she doesnt like. to them itll just sound lime conspiracy but its literally true. dont worry i have witnesses galore. she even got in my face trying to physically intimidate me and my sm had to step in front her and tell her to watch her body language
Ashamed_Equal1 points1y ago
That sucks that you’re at a toxic store! Honestly, if I stayed at my store, I probably would be in the same situation. Lmk if you need anything during the process of getting justice!
LimpCondiment6 points1y ago
Hire a lawyer
[deleted]6 points1y ago
Write to your DM!!! Contact the ethics line!
FemmeScarface5 points1y ago
Also give me your store's phone number and I'll call and make a complaint about overhearing an employee making transphobic remarks towards another employee 😉
susiesaraglock [OP]5 points1y ago
+1 (817) 294-4799 but u aint hear that from me ☺️ say it was a racist remark itll work just trust me
leviownsme2 points1y ago
ah i know this starbucks! i live in the area so if i call and make a complaint would that help you?
susiesaraglock [OP]2 points1y ago
yes theyve been getting complaints left and right. still havent heard back on the termination appeal and now im working at tarbucks LMAO
leviownsme1 points1y ago
i will definitely call then! this is horrible and infuriating. hopefully you hear back asap
miniinovaa5 points1y ago
Say it’s a wrongful termination! If it’s made up there’s cameras and they can prove it
Ill_Extension_2225 points1y ago
omg screw ur nasty transphobic coworker and ur SM for not even talking to her??? u deserve so much better.
xXTimbloXx4 points1y ago
Honestly call ethics and compliance, none of that is okay especially at a company like Starbucks. I would be raising hell and scorched earthing the entire store.
FemmeScarface3 points1y ago
Report them to ethics. Thats disgusting behavior, and I'm so sorry you had to deal with that level of transphobic behavior. You ARE a woman, and it is not ok to treat you otherwise.
susiesaraglock [OP]2 points1y ago
thank u. u are amazing.
saturn2353 points1y ago
Report it
shikiP3 points1y ago
I hope you get your job back and those two assholes fired. I'm sorry.
CriticalSheep3 points1y ago
You're definitely in the right, but unfortunately most states are right-to-work so wrongful termination doesn't do much.
It's so unfortunate that shitty people continue to be protected- I left my store feeling really icky because the guy who sexually harassed and generally harassed everyone in the store including myself was still there, but I was written up for caring too much about my job.
I highly recommend you get on Fiverr and offer up administrative services and start collecting some commission work. Then head to a local coffee shop and see if they're hiring; you've got so much experience working for Starbucks and they're going to love having you I bet.
I'm so sorry for what you're going through and I hope you find something right away.
nicathor3 points1y ago
All you have to do is mention you're going to pursue legal action for wrongful termination and workplace discrimination and corporate will descend upon your store and clean house (and hopefully reinstate you, possibly in a new location)
silversungoddess3 points1y ago
Omg call ethics immediately. This is def wrongful termination.
FunBooger2 points1y ago
Sounds like you’ve got a case
Helyra2 points1y ago
I'm pretty sure write ups late up to 6months and then cannot be used.
_abbycadabby_2 points1y ago
What. The fuck. I'm so sorry. Hoping you can get reinstated, AWAY from that toxic environment.
zgjordan2 points1y ago
WOWWWW absolutely not okay!
symanthafox2 points1y ago
This is Starbucks in a nutshell!
if4themew092 points1y ago
Find a lawyer and find someone in the store who will back you up
Legitimate-Leave-8772 points1y ago
PLEASE call ethics and compliance! they will open an investigation on your store no matter what and trust me it is such a huge pain for ethics to be calling and investigating! You can get your job back and 1 written warning from years ago should not cost you your job. seems wrongful so please call ethics!!!
Beefman4532 points1y ago
Call hr
KenansCloud2 points1y ago
Run, don’t walk, to hr and a lawyer
AuntieRia11281 points1y ago
Definitely unfair and I agree you need to call HR, ethics and lawyer… and after that come work at my store! We would love to have you ❤️
allmailtothethief1 points1y ago
Omg I can't believe this happened to you. HR may be able to help you. But I can't imagine how painful that must've been.
SM0LandANGR3Y1 points1y ago
I would definitely call ethics and maybe find a lawyer if you can. The fact that you had to deal with people being transphobic in the store AND nothing was ever done about it, that should have been enough already. I’m sorry this happened to you, hope it gets better.
nightkat891 points1y ago
Sounds like not telling the whole story. A write up from 2018 should of dropped by now as it’s usually a period of 6 months without corrective action.
PluralPaul1 points1y ago
If you're able to, I think a lot of us would appreciate an update along the process. I'm not a fan of a lot of things Starbucks does, but this definitely goes against the very being of what we stand for as a company and have stood for for some time. I really hope you get your job back, or at least are able to have a source of income until your next one.
[deleted]1 points1y ago
Dude!!! Please give us an update, because I’m ready to walk out if this company doesn’t back you!
Paverunner1 points1y ago
Sounds like they were trying to find an excuse to get rid of the people who made “too much money” I’ve seen it happen time and time again. Not just here, but at other retail, service industry, and even within the federal government
[deleted]0 points1y ago
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_paperbackhead_0 points1y ago
Definitely call ethics, write ups are only good for 6 months and those who have made transphobic remarks need to be reprimanded. This is against HIPAA
mayor-em15 points1y ago
Its incredibly rude, crude, and has no place in the work space, but its not hipaa
[deleted]-1 points1y ago
[deleted]
shouldvewroteitdown11 points1y ago
HIPAA is ONLY for health care and the part everyone talks about is disclosure of private medical information by a provider without your consent.
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