Starbucks is set to give all salaried employees in North America a two per cent raise this year, with the pay hike to apply to corporate staff, workers in manufacturers and distribution, and store managers.
News of the raise follows continuing negotiations between Starbucks and its unionised baristas, with the Workers United union rejecting the proposal of guaranteed annual raises of two per cent in April, citing a lack of changes to healthcare or immediacy of a rise in pay.
Since CEO Brian Niccol’s appointment one year ago, Starbucks has prioritised keeping costs under control and improving customer service as part of an overall bid to “build a strong operating foundation”.
Included in the desire to boost customer service has been the tightening of employee dress codes in-store, along with the rolling out of the Starbucks Green Apron Service model, which is expected to be implemented in all United States stores by September.
Part of this model is the expectation no custom drink order will take more than four minutes to prepare and ensuring enough staff are rostered on.
