Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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need to go to the ER due to starbs? enjoy ur 5k bill (rant) (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by plastixhearts
A few weeks ago, I posted about bees being in my store. We called facilities, and they did their thing, but it didn’t stop them from flying in. Partners were getting stung, everyone’s anxious, etc. Then, I managed to grab one by accident. It was sitting on something I grabbed, I didn’t see it, and it stung my fingers.
I am highly allergic to bees/wasps/yellow jackets.
Naturally, I freak out and run and find my epipen. I injected and (stupidly) drove myself to an urgent care who sent me to the emergency room. I ended up being fine after a few hours of monitoring and medication, but now I don’t have an epipen and my insurance is being a pain, and I’m going to get a massive ER bill(looking at 5k because of my plan). to top it all off I got a ticket mailed to me for running a light on my way to the hospital oops.
I’m back in work now, and my coworker told me to call Sedgwick. I called, they said they can’t help me because it’s not a work related injury and to call PCC. PCC told me they can’t help me either and “hopefully the bees go away soon”. So, I’m definitely going to be stuck with this bill and epipens aren’t cheap, so I’m really struggling now.
Part of me gets it. It’s not like I slipped and fell, I already had an allergy. But, we tried to fix the problem, multiple reports were made to partner resources, and the problem didn’t get solved. At the very least I wish I could be comped the hours I missed, I have bills to pay and I wish this never happened. Just frustrated I don’t mean to complain.
ETA: I know they can’t control the bees, they’re animals and I think bees are lovely creatures. But, for people like me, they’re also deadly, and I couldve died at starbucks that day. Someone else in my store is allergic as well. God forbid we get stung without an epi, although ambulances come, there is a chance someone could lose their life in this situation. I know it’s also situational and only a risk to some, but nevertheless, it is a problem. There are definitely bigger problems to take care of- the problems that impact the majority of us. But I wish they had some solution for those of us that are the minority impacted by something like allergies
I am highly allergic to bees/wasps/yellow jackets.
Naturally, I freak out and run and find my epipen. I injected and (stupidly) drove myself to an urgent care who sent me to the emergency room. I ended up being fine after a few hours of monitoring and medication, but now I don’t have an epipen and my insurance is being a pain, and I’m going to get a massive ER bill(looking at 5k because of my plan). to top it all off I got a ticket mailed to me for running a light on my way to the hospital oops.
I’m back in work now, and my coworker told me to call Sedgwick. I called, they said they can’t help me because it’s not a work related injury and to call PCC. PCC told me they can’t help me either and “hopefully the bees go away soon”. So, I’m definitely going to be stuck with this bill and epipens aren’t cheap, so I’m really struggling now.
Part of me gets it. It’s not like I slipped and fell, I already had an allergy. But, we tried to fix the problem, multiple reports were made to partner resources, and the problem didn’t get solved. At the very least I wish I could be comped the hours I missed, I have bills to pay and I wish this never happened. Just frustrated I don’t mean to complain.
ETA: I know they can’t control the bees, they’re animals and I think bees are lovely creatures. But, for people like me, they’re also deadly, and I couldve died at starbucks that day. Someone else in my store is allergic as well. God forbid we get stung without an epi, although ambulances come, there is a chance someone could lose their life in this situation. I know it’s also situational and only a risk to some, but nevertheless, it is a problem. There are definitely bigger problems to take care of- the problems that impact the majority of us. But I wish they had some solution for those of us that are the minority impacted by something like allergies
gakedbay 162 points 1y ago
I would also try to go higher up and explain that the bees were never taken care of. It may help to quote their own training modules that state your health and safety is their priority.
plastixhearts [OP] 68 points 1y ago
I told them the flying insects thing in my state says bees are a danger and that facilities has several reports about what’s happening and they didn’t care. It’s just frustrating because not only did I miss 6 hours of my 8 hour shifts pay, I have a huge bill now. I have literally no idea what I’m gonna do
BenBishopsButt 27 points 1y ago
Workers comp!
plastixhearts [OP] 8 points 1y ago
they said no bc it’s not a workplace injury
Holiday-Bookkeeper26 44 points 1y ago
You need a lawyer. It is definitely a work place injury!!
BenBishopsButt 34 points 1y ago
Lol your workplace doesn’t get to decide that. Like someone said, get a lawyer.
dixiebelle64 17 points 1y ago
But you were at work, working on the clock, doing a work required action when a known infestation caused you to have a medical emergency. How is it not work related?
sharkiemd 6 points 1y ago
did a quick google search and many law sites say you should receive workers comp when injured while performing a task at work for work. while you likely can’t sue the employer/maintenance for unsafe working conditions or something like that (especially since the allergy in this case is a pre-existing condition), you likely actually are entitled to worker’s comp. if you can OP, get an attorney and discuss your options.
(edit to clarify i am NOT an attorney and speaking to an actual attorney specialized in workers comp claims should be your next step 100%)
(edit to clarify i am NOT an attorney and speaking to an actual attorney specialized in workers comp claims should be your next step 100%)
Dr_mombie 3 points 1y ago
OSHA would beg to differ. You should absolutely report them to OSHA, the department of labor, and the local health inspector. They would all love to set corporate straight about bees in the store and their responsibilities towards employees being stung on the clock in a restaurant.
stringtherapy321 4 points 1y ago
If the won’t respond, try talking to someone at the EEOC about it. They can’t discriminate against you because of health conditions either. See if there’s anything they could do in the situation.
rio8envy7 3 points 1y ago
Use sick hours. Facilities can only do so much so it’s not that they don’t care it’s just that it’s out of their control.
plastixhearts [OP] 1 points 1y ago
I just wanna say I don’t blame them! it’s just a frustrating situation !
gakedbay 6 points 1y ago
It is frustrating but the blame is somewhere and it’s on Starbucks. I understand not wanting to “make a fuss” but as a company they do not care about you at all. It’s not about just taking money from them—it’s getting back the money the owe you. If it’s too much effort or feels that I way I completely understand, but this isn’t about being nice or polite. A 5k loss is not something that’s easy to bounce back from EVER let alone during a pandemic.
astivana 2 points 1y ago
When the bill comes, if you can’t get Starbucks to pay for it, look into the hospital’s financial aid!
rio8envy7 -5 points 1y ago
Op said facilities did come in and do what they do.
gakedbay 8 points 1y ago
Just because facilities came doesn’t mean the problem was fixed. They came to my store for fruit flies and a broken sink and we still have fruit flies and a broken sink.
plastixhearts [OP] 1 points 1y ago
facilities washed our building. at 5 am during a downpour. somehow that didn’t scare the bees
rio8envy7 -6 points 1y ago
One can only do so much to prevent insects. What’s your suggestion to stop them? Would you like to personally get rid of the beehive or wasps nest?
miniinovaa 11 points 1y ago
?? Starbucks can hire a proper bee keeper to get the hives. Is Kevin your sugar daddy or what?
gakedbay 2 points 1y ago
I wouldn’t mind it at all if it were my job to do it. But my job is to make drinks and prepare food for customers, you dolt.
Mommy2SNP 87 points 1y ago
Ummm literally they just told us in Buffalo that bees were a major problem and they “starbucks” are responsible for not taking care of them - I would keep calling and try to get that taken care of- it is an on the job injury they didn’t take care of the problem
plastixhearts [OP] 26 points 1y ago
im like 3 hours from Buffalo omg . where r these bees coming from smh
Mommy2SNP 21 points 1y ago
So It’s the end of the season they go crazy this time of year we have two partners that are also allergic one day corporate was in our store and saw us having to keep stopping what we were doing to catch the bees like crazy!!! But anyways I’d keep calling to get that taken care of send an email to Allyson if you are only 3 hrs from Buffalo you should be in the north east market you can even say you heard a Buffalo partner told you they acknowledged bees are a problem that they failed to take care of…. Also not sure if it would be an option but check out the cup fund
plastixhearts [OP] 11 points 1y ago
I def will send her an email! and yeah corporate should come to my store because if I even see a bee I am suddenly a track star running off the floor away from it
rio8envy7 -9 points 1y ago
THE STORE CALLED FACILITIES. FACILITIES CAME. IT WAS TAKEN CARE OF.
TrentaGreenBean 1 points 1y ago
If it was taken care of why did they get stung?
[deleted] 33 points 1y ago
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plastixhearts [OP] 19 points 1y ago
lol like if they just got me a new epipen id be like ok thx this still sucks but at least that’s one thing taken care of. nope they’re like have no epipen and this big bill ❤️. and I was talking to my SM today and it’s like if I get stung again, it’s a 911 call bc no epi. I told her (jokingly… maybe) that if it comes to that just let me die and use my life insurance to pay the bill…
jml7791 29 points 1y ago
What state do you live in that has such shitty laws that you can’t get workers comp to help when you get stung by a bee that is on a piece of equipment you are using as part of your job?
This is an on-the-job injury 100%. There should be a WC claim filed and you shouldn’t be paying a dime. This happened while you were on the clock and on company premises, did it not? That makes the company liable. I’d strongly suggest talking to Sedgwick and PCC again and taking it up the chain if you have to. I also strongly suggest looking into a free consultation with an employment or WC attorney in your state. Your state should have a state bar association website you can look at for a referral.
I wouldn’t be letting this go if I were you. You were injured on the job - Sbux has got to have some liability for this.
This is an on-the-job injury 100%. There should be a WC claim filed and you shouldn’t be paying a dime. This happened while you were on the clock and on company premises, did it not? That makes the company liable. I’d strongly suggest talking to Sedgwick and PCC again and taking it up the chain if you have to. I also strongly suggest looking into a free consultation with an employment or WC attorney in your state. Your state should have a state bar association website you can look at for a referral.
I wouldn’t be letting this go if I were you. You were injured on the job - Sbux has got to have some liability for this.
plastixhearts [OP] 4 points 1y ago
thank you I will look into that!
jmills1888 25 points 1y ago
Bee stings and administration of an epi pen are considered recordable under the OSHA regulations.
As long as it happened at work during work hours, it should be treated as a work comp case.
Feel free to inbox me if you need sources or such
As long as it happened at work during work hours, it should be treated as a work comp case.
Feel free to inbox me if you need sources or such
plastixhearts [OP] 3 points 1y ago
PMd you
Babs9220 18 points 1y ago
Definitely at least try and use the cup fund to help pay the bills. That is so so messed up you had to leave work to go to the hospital, lost earning money, AND it isn't covered. So f***ed up.
[deleted] 6 points 1y ago
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plastixhearts [OP] 8 points 1y ago
The funny part is the cup fund doesn’t let you use it for workplace injuries so they said no, but then Sedgwick says it’s not a workplace injury. For one company (starbs) it IS an injury so I can’t get help, and for the other (segd) it ISNT an injury so I’m screwed
Babs9220 2 points 1y ago
Aaaaaand this is one of the many reasons I quit 🙃🙃🙃 Love how they blast themselves on being so helpful and having so many benefits, and then nothing gets done.
I didn't get paid for 2 whole months because they told me I didn't have health insurance anymore and then took months worth of medical pay even though "I didn't have it". No one would help me until I threatened getting a lawyer and it took over a year to fix and definitely did not get all my pay back.
I didn't get paid for 2 whole months because they told me I didn't have health insurance anymore and then took months worth of medical pay even though "I didn't have it". No one would help me until I threatened getting a lawyer and it took over a year to fix and definitely did not get all my pay back.
cody_1849 6 points 1y ago
Yeah, it’s a nice piggy bank for us to look at, but no matter how screwed over we get they won’t let us touch it.
[deleted] 4 points 1y ago
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sheep_heavenly 4 points 1y ago
It has the most asinine rules.
Last time I checked, it can't be for rent or medical bills. It can't be for a bill that isn't past due. It can't be for a lot of shit that makes total sense like emergency housing if they don't like what constitutes an emergency.
But using it to fund travel to a family members funeral is apparently okay. I pitched in making freezer meals for a partner who couldn't afford food and meds one month while the cup fund said they wouldn't cover either. The best advice I've heard actually work is to just let a bill lapse like electric. They'll pay for that, sometimes.
Last time I checked, it can't be for rent or medical bills. It can't be for a bill that isn't past due. It can't be for a lot of shit that makes total sense like emergency housing if they don't like what constitutes an emergency.
But using it to fund travel to a family members funeral is apparently okay. I pitched in making freezer meals for a partner who couldn't afford food and meds one month while the cup fund said they wouldn't cover either. The best advice I've heard actually work is to just let a bill lapse like electric. They'll pay for that, sometimes.
GlorisSkates 13 points 1y ago
I feel like this is definitely a work related injury. You’re not a bee keeper, you’re a barista. You shouldn’t have to worry about getting stung on the job.
plastixhearts [OP] 7 points 1y ago
so many baristas are literally catching bees in cups to protect those of us allergic like ??? i don’t remember this in my barista training
jnnyjff 10 points 1y ago
Find a workers’ comp lawyer to see if you have a case. They won’t represent you unless they think you will win. Most don’t collect a dime until you’re awarded a settlement, and then they get a percentage. (Of course, verify this before signing anything.)
verkruuze 6 points 1y ago
Hi there, public health and safety inspector here.
This is clearly a workers comp claim and your employer should pay for your hospital bills.
This is clearly a workers comp claim and your employer should pay for your hospital bills.
1300727 6 points 1y ago
You should be able to view any work orders in the iPad (or written in the DRB) for calls into facilities about the bees. Take pictures, write these numbers down and save for yourself. Fill out an incident report form on the iPad and reference those numbers and dates, take a photo and save for your reference. Then call Sedgwick and explain the situation and give the work order numbers with the dates called in. This shows it wasn’t just a freak accident, but known store issue. It’s one thing to have a single bee come in and cause issue, it’s a whole other issue when you have a paper trail showing it’s a problem.
-Compost-the-rich- 5 points 1y ago
It sounds like you need to call an attorney
Seeksherowntruth 5 points 1y ago
Go to your manger and tell them you need to report a workers comp injury.
plastixhearts [OP] 2 points 1y ago
my Sm had me call Sedgwick and pcc who said I’m out of luck
missweach 4 points 1y ago
Call your states legal aid society. This is most definitely workers comp.
WildCrunchy2 3 points 1y ago
Omg my store is constantly getting bees inside, too. I’ve always been made the designated “catcher”, because I have fast reflexes and know how to trap a bee without hurting it. However, I don’t even know if I’m allergic to their stings. I’m severely allergic to other insect bites, though. So I very well could be.
We had to get a specialist to come in and safely remove the nest (I really hope they relocated it instead of destroying it). But the bees are still sticking around. On top of that, we have SO many stink bugs outside of the building. Mind you, I have an extreme fear of beetles. (Childhood trauma). I was on solo drive and almost dropped someone’s drink because I saw one and freaked out.
One stink bug even followed me home on my car. I was terrified, but luckily I had already parked.
Despite the literal infestation, they’re not calling anyone to take care of it. Meanwhile, I have a near panic attack every time I see one.
We had to get a specialist to come in and safely remove the nest (I really hope they relocated it instead of destroying it). But the bees are still sticking around. On top of that, we have SO many stink bugs outside of the building. Mind you, I have an extreme fear of beetles. (Childhood trauma). I was on solo drive and almost dropped someone’s drink because I saw one and freaked out.
One stink bug even followed me home on my car. I was terrified, but luckily I had already parked.
Despite the literal infestation, they’re not calling anyone to take care of it. Meanwhile, I have a near panic attack every time I see one.
astivana 2 points 1y ago
Any bee-trapping tips?
WildCrunchy2 2 points 1y ago
Well, I usually get a tall iced cup and lid. I put a sticker on the lid (the ones for deliveries) and hold the lid and cup. They usually like to hang around the syrups. Especially raspberry.
So I wait for a good opportunity and place the cup over the bee. I use the lid to gently slide it inside and quickly close the lid. That’s when I go outside and release it.
Another way is to lure it with syrup in a cup. Again, they seem to love raspberry.
So I wait for a good opportunity and place the cup over the bee. I use the lid to gently slide it inside and quickly close the lid. That’s when I go outside and release it.
Another way is to lure it with syrup in a cup. Again, they seem to love raspberry.
astivana 3 points 1y ago
Okay! This is roughly what I do already except I often use a grande cup labeled Bee Jail but I wanted to see if there were any tips I could use!
WildCrunchy2 2 points 1y ago
Nah, no specific tips other than the syrup, haha! It can be really tricky sometimes. I almost killed one by mistake and I felt so horrible. I closed the lid on its neck but it somehow survived.
plastixhearts [OP] 1 points 1y ago
I just wish someone could come look and see if there is a hive inside somewhere that’s making them come. Nobody has done literally anything
amsleepygirl 3 points 1y ago
I’m so sorry dude :(( my store has a massive bee problem that’s not being taken care of as well. It’s just a matter of time before I get stung
evilash85 3 points 1y ago
Sue!
HotDogClouds 3 points 1y ago
That's not good! I don't know much about getting the attention needed to take care of the bees, but maybe you could call that one lady who speaks in a real gentle voice and comes and grabs bees from places and takes them to her bee keeping place. Idk if she does it for free but if you told her the situation I'm sure she could come out.
Also in an absolute emergency, Benadryl crushed under the tongue can be the hair's difference between life and death when rushing to an ER.
Also in an absolute emergency, Benadryl crushed under the tongue can be the hair's difference between life and death when rushing to an ER.
Charmingjanitorxxx 3 points 1y ago
Use your camera footage from the store floor...
plastixhearts [OP] 3 points 1y ago
i want a compilation video of me running away from the bees and then the last video to be me getting stung and screaming and using my epipen. put it on the flying insects training
[deleted] 2 points 1y ago
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elrobolobo 2 points 1y ago
Go and find a workers comp Lawyer that will just hear the jist of what happened, and see if they have any advice or would consider taking you up. Whether or not they do, it doesn't matter, go back to partner services and say the lawyer you talked to asked you to get everything in writing.
eagle6705 2 points 1y ago
In sure one of your regulars is a lawyer see if they can give advice
DaddyGray69 2 points 1y ago
We get about 5-10 a day in our store but it's insisted that the window stay open because connections are more important
[deleted] 1 points 1y ago
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rio8envy7 -1 points 1y ago
Technically a bee sting isn’t considered a Starbucks injury. Starbucks has no way of controlling what bees do. They can spray and try and get rid of them but that’s about it. At the end of the day bees do what bees do. I understand your situation and I’m not trying to come across as mean or condescending.
[deleted] 5 points 1y ago
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rio8envy7 -2 points 1y ago
The second sentence literally said facilities came in and did something about it.
[deleted] 2 points 1y ago
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rio8envy7 -2 points 1y ago
But it’s not a work related injury. It’s not slipping and falling or screwing up your shoulder from moving boxes. The store did what it could. They called facilities and facilities came to take care of it. There’s nothing else Starbucks can do.
plastixhearts [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Just to respond to this again and make it clear, facilities DID come but whatever they did (aka washing the building in the middle of a rainstorm) did NOT help the problem. they tried it just didn’t work
plastixhearts [OP] 1 points 1y ago
yes! Dw ur not being mean. I’m more frustrated at the situation and the lack of response. nothing has been done to try and fix it. Then again idk if there IS anything but nothing has been done thus far . obv nobody can control them it just is stressful
rio8envy7 2 points 1y ago
I understand and I don’t want to undermine the importance of the situation because it is an issue I just mean I don’t think there’s anything Starbucks can do. I would reach out to your DM and explain the situation and see if there’s anything they can possibly do or suggest. I’m sorry you’re going through this and stressed by it. I would see if you can use sick hours to cover the hours you lost in your shift.
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