wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

Comments

• [1] Susan from Yorktown Heights NY April 07, 2008 - 11:52AM

  If indeed, the public doesn't differentiate between the shift supervisors and baristas, they should place two tip jars on the counter. The caffienated can then be the deciders.

  
  
• [2] Will from Oakland April 07, 2008 - 11:52AM

  The tip jar shouldnt even be there, It's offensive. These people aren't waiters. I would never put money in one of these jars. At what point did this fad come about? because the best one i recently saw was a jar for a bagger at a grocery store.

  
  
• [3] chestinee from Midtown April 07, 2008 - 11:52AM

  When I was a waitron, the waitrons got $2.25/hr and made tips, which were always more money than the managers salaries.

  
  
• [4] chestinee from Midtown April 07, 2008 - 11:53AM

  I think Starbucks should pay their managers more!

  
  
• [5] Eric from Manhattan April 07, 2008 - 11:54AM

  The suits are brought because the law allows them to be brought. There are ATTORNEYS driving this lawsuit. As class action status, the lawyers are taking home a good chunk of this money. NOT the "baristas."

  
  
• [6] ab April 07, 2008 - 11:55AM

  #2

  I have to say I agree...it really annoys me to be expected to give a tip to someone who simply rung me up (because in most SB the tip jar is by the register not where the drinks are made)

  It just strikes me as ridiculous

  
  
• [7] rp from manhattan April 07, 2008 - 11:57AM

  these employees should be paid more. If the shift supervisors are truly managers, the company should pay them to reflect that. And tips in this case are truly charity. Workers shouldn't depend on charity for wages.

  
  
• [8] Susan from New York City April 07, 2008 - 11:58AM

  I'm a Starbucks patron/addict: Since Starbucks folks work as a team, I always give tips with the understanding that everyone will share in the tips.

  
  
• [9] hjs from 11211 April 07, 2008 - 12:00PM

  never give to a tip jar

  
  
• [10] Will from Ridgewood NJ April 07, 2008 - 12:00PM

  As a current shift supervisor I find it silly to be compared to managers. Starbucks Shift Supervisors are nothing but key holders, we unlock the door in the morning, we count the money in the tills, and that's it. We have no sort of disciplinary abilities, and while we do "manage" the regular Baristas on the floor we do not submit performance reports or make judgements that directly affect Barista pay.

  While it's also true that the managers also help out with customers, doing dishes, making drinks, etc they do have the responsibilities that differentiate them, such as handing down reprimands and making suggestions for promotions, as well as handing out scheduling hours, all tasks I'm not allowed to take part in, which is why I should not be seen any differently from any of the Baristas I work with.

  
  
• [11] jh April 07, 2008 - 12:01PM

  It's amazing that SB would prefer to spend so much $ fighting this lawsuit than just to pay the shift supervisors a few dollars more an hour. You should avoid SB based on this alone.

  
  
• [12] J.C. from Minneapolis April 07, 2008 - 12:08PM

  I'm not sure if I understand the point that comment #5 was making, but I would point out that lawyers who take cases on contingency are taking a big risk themselves because they are assuming all of the costs of the lawsuit (in most cases). If the plaintiffs don't win any money, the lawyers have to eat the loss.

  I don't mean to say that trial lawyers are angels, but that point should be kept in mind. If you don't like contingency fees, then we as taxpayers need to (gasp!) pay more tax money to fund legal aid programs for those who can't afford the expensive price of a good lawyer.

  But in any event, even though I agree that a tip jar is pushing the envelope, I support laws that prohibit management from skimming tips from the low-level workers, so no one should be ashamed to defend their right to their tips in court. That's why we have a court system!

  
  
• [13] Patrick from Manhattan April 07, 2008 - 12:18PM

  If you went into a diner and was served at the counter by a waitress, (who by law are not required to recieve minimum wage because they recieve tips) you would leave her a tip. You are not expected to tip the short order cook or the cashier. Nor would a tip be expected if you ordered coffee or food to go, even if the waitress handed you the brown paper bag containing it. The baristas, who recieve much more than minimum wage by the way, are the equivalent of short order cooks at diners.

  I agree that tip jars are offensive. The City Council should pass a law prohibiting them.

  
  
• [14] RC April 07, 2008 - 12:22PM

  Or do what I do which is go to Dunkin Donuts. I get better coffee and they put the milk and sugar in it for me. No hassles, no tip jars.