Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan has stated that people protesting Starbucks and disrupting its stores over the Israel-Hamas war have been misled by false information spread online about the company’s positions. Narasimhan has sent a letter to Starbucks employees and customers stating that “We see protestors influenced by misrepresentation on social media of what we stand for…”
The protests against Starbucks have escalated around the world and in North America, with many of Starbucks’ stores experiencing incidents of vandalism resulting from the protests. Starbucks has worked with the local authorities to ensure the safety of its partners and customers.
Starbucks has distanced itself from the Palestine positions taken by Starbucks Workers United, a union for Starbucks workers that angered some pro-Israel supporters. The coffee company said that some of the protests related to the war in Gaza resulted directly from the union’s comments. Starbucks has also been facing union pressure over pay and working conditions and accusations of illegal anti-union tactics.
According to analyst estimates, Starbucks is facing softer holiday sales, and its stock has encountered a long and persistent decline, ending earlier this month. More than 350 of Starbucks’ corporate-owned stores in the United States are unionized.
In October, just after Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel, Starbucks Workers United posted “Solidarity with Palestine” on social media platform X, with an image of a bulldozer tearing down a fence on the Gaza strip during the attacks. This post is believed to have contributed to some of the protests directed at Starbucks.
Starbucks has faced criticism from supporters of Israel as many have believed that Starbucks has supported Palestine. However, Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan’s recent statement indicates that the company’s stance has been misrepresented.
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