Archive · 2 Dec 2025
Starbucks Settles NYC Labor Law Claims
Starbucks has agreed to pay about $35 million to over 15,000 workers in New York City to settle claims that it did not give them stable work schedules and cut their hours too much.
The company will also pay $3.4 million in fines.
Workers who were affected will get $50 for each week they worked from 2021 to 2024.
Starbucks says the city's labor laws are very complicated and that many other businesses face the same problems.
The city started investigating after many workers complained.
Starbucks has also agreed to follow the city's labor laws in the future and will let workers who lost their jobs because of store closings apply to work at other Starbucks locations.
Starbucks will pay $35 million to over 15,000 NYC workers to settle labor law claims.
The company will also pay $3.4 million in civil penalties.
Workers will receive $50 for each week worked from July 2021 through July 2024.
Starbucks claims the city's Fair Workweek law is complex and affects many retailers.
Laid-off employees can apply for reinstatement at other Starbucks locations.
- Who
- Starbucks and over 15,000 NYC workers
- What
- Settlement of labor law claims
- When
- From July 2021 through July 2024, with the settlement announced in 2024
- Where
- New York City
- Why
- Starbucks allegedly violated the city's Fair Workweek law by denying stable schedules and arbitrarily cutting hours
- Number of Affected Workers
- More than 15,000
- Time Period Covered
- July 2021 through July 2024
- Law Violated
- New York City's Fair Workweek law
- Company Response
- Starbucks claims the law is complex and affects many retailers
- Reinstatement Offer
- Laid-off employees can apply for reinstatement at other locations