Help suspended union workers make ends meet

In October, Cal (they/them) was approached by their Starbucks district manager and told they were being put on a “paid suspension” with no explanation and asked to leave the Hampton and Wise store immediately, giving them no time to invoke their Weingarten rights. Just a few weeks later, Jasper (they/them) was given the exact same information over the phone with no opportunity to ask questions. Both of them were told they would receive a call from corporate in Seattle explaining the reason for the suspension, and after weeks in the dark with no communication or pay they found out they were being suspended for not serving a customer that verbally assaulted them. While on “paid suspension” neither of these partners have received their wages promptly or in full, and have had no clear communication from management if or when they will be paid. Both Cal and Jasper have openly and proudly supported their stores unionization and are leaders in their store, and this suspension is a clear effort to push out union leaders and scare other partners in their store. This fund is in place to help these union partners make ends meet while they’re suspended and while we investigate this “paid suspension”. Any and all support is appreciated, solidarity forever y’all ❤️‍


“My name is Jasper Berry I am 26 with an associates degree in theatre and I've worked at Starbucks for 2 years and 7 months. I am nonbinary and have a love for the arts. I love to connect with people and I love to share my knowledge with others. Recently I was placed on paid suspension at Starbucks pending an investigation. I was have now been on paid leave for 17 days with no direct contact with Starbucks. I rely heavily on this job as it is my only source of income and health insurance. I am currently struggling to pay bills and any help would be much appreciated.”

“My name is Calvin Owens, I am a 34 years old, nonbinary, and an okla-chahta native. I have worked at Starbucks for 3 years and 2 months and recently have been placed on leave for the past 40 days (as of this writing) days after finally acquiring health insurance after a life of poverty. I have not been given a direct reason why and have been ghosted and run around by my "superiors". This is the only income in my household, as my partner is disabled, and so far in my life the only job I've ever felt 100% comfortable to be myself around my coworkers. I have never been comfortable reaching out for help, but I feel as though I am drowning now, thank you for your support.”