Jim Cramer puts his faith in Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan's ability to turn things around
CNBCJAN 2024
Judge Orders Starbucks to Reinstate Union Organizer
Image copyright: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Starbucks' attempts to bend or break US labor laws as well as its intent — sabotage employees' attempts to improve their lives — is out in the open. Despite around 300 stores across the US deciding to unionize, the coffee chain refuses to see the obvious. Its preferential treatment of those staying away from union activities amounts to mistreatment of those exercising their legitimate rights.
Narrative B
Starbucks' management has met with union representatives at least 85 times in the past few years. Besides regular pay, which approaches around $27 per hour on average, the coffee chain extends multiple benefits, like stock grants and parental leave, to thousands of its employees worldwide. Branding this conscientious corporation as anti-worker or "union-busting" is disingenuous.