A “high-incident” Starbucks in Oregon has reported countless dangerous conflicts and crises. But rather than actually hire security guards, the store just expects workers to act as security – essentially forcing them to manage sometimes-violent conflicts in addition to being baristas!
Service workers like baristas are frequently forced to perform acts outside of their job description – with no additional pay. Not only is this unfair, it’s a huge safety issue for workers AND customers.
Baristas aren’t being trained to double as security guards. This puts everyone in harm’s way, and could potentially make situations worse because workers aren’t taught how to properly de-escalate dangerous situations.
This is a perfect example of the unfair working conditions that have recently inspired Starbucks workers, and many other service employees, to seek union representation. Protests and strikes for better wages and conditions have been increasing all over the world as workers demand fair pay and safe working conditions.
Expecting baristas to double as security highlights the economic system’s disregard for workers’ safety. People’s safety shouldn’t be jeopardized at work and they should be paid fairly and trained for any additional work duties.