At 11:00 this morning, two Starbucks baristas delivered more then 80,000 petition signatures calling on the company to update its parental leave policy so it applies equally to all types of workers, all types of parents, and all types of families.
Click here to send a message of support to Starbucks baristas fighting for paid family leave.
Photo credit: Alex Garland
"All parents deserve an equal opportunity to be there with their baby," explained Kristen, a barista and new mom who came out from Ohio. "Starbucks said they needed to hear from more employees about this. So we will definitely let them know!"
"I think there is a window of opportunity right now for everybody to have a say and make some serious change at a corporate level," said Jessica, who was there from Gig Harbor.
After speaking to the media, Kristen and Jessica went inside Starbucks HQ to meet with the company’s VP of Global Benefits, so he could hear what they had to say too.
Getting the attention of a top corporate executive is no small thing. It’s a sign the company is paying attention. It’s a sign we’re getting through to them. And it’s definitely a step in the right direction.
It’s progress, but it’s not enough.
Starbucks still needs to update its parental leave policy so it applies equally to all types of workers, all types of parents, and all types of families.
And that’s why tomorrow morning, we’ll be bringing our message to the company’s annual shareholder meeting.
Baristas like Jessica & Kristen are leading the way forward. Can you take a moment to back them up? Click here to let them know they have your support.