Howard Schultz defends Starbucks as model employer in hearing
Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz testified Wednesday in Washington, D.C., where he faced questions in a Senate hearing about the Seattle-based coffee giant's aggressive response to union organizing among employees.
Schultz told the Democratic-controlled Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee that Starbucks Corp. (Nasdaq: SBUX) has always been a model employer and that there is no need for baristas to seek labor representation. He also defended his status as a billionaire.
"I grew up in federally subsidized housing," Schultz said. "I thought my entire life was based on the fulfillment of the American dream. Yes, I have billions of dollars. I earned it. No one gave it to me, and I've shared it constantly with the people of Starbucks."
Nationwide, more than 300 Starbucks stores have voted to join the Workers United union, though none have yet reached a contract agreement with the company.
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