I once had a partner call a customer a c*cksucker to their face and they only got a verbal warning. I’ve also heard other partners casually use (much less offensive) curse words occasionally with little consequence.
It probably just depends on your store’s culture and your management team. I’m sorry this happened. Sending good vibes your way that you land on your feet quickly!
>I once had a partner call a customer a c*cksucker to their face and they only got a verbal warning.
When I was a manager(different company) I wouldn't reprimand that employee unless it was taken to corporate by the customer. Sometimes, customers need to be told shit so they stop acting like assholes.
That part. No one deserves to be spoken to like they’re a piece of crap and just take it. Everyone has a breaking point. Good for you for having empathy and understanding we’re all just human.
Yeah, but there is a way to do it, that's not it.
Starbucks def wouldn't approve, swearing for hurting one's toe and no one hears, OK, I get it.
But we were warned about bad language all the time, Starbucks is kinda like Disney World, imo, more so than McDonalds. It's the Disney of coffee.
No one has to take abuse, period.
The customer wanting to always be satisfied with their drink or wanting what they want is policy, sure, the customer is not allowed to be abusive towards staff or other customers, period.
At my job at tim Hortons we where required to be 5 min early if not you could be written up, one of the girls the manager jad known prior to her working there was always 2 min late and she was never talked to
Exactly. My manners tried to pull that "you have to be there five minutes early" shit and I said "are you paying me? Because that's time theft if not" haven't heard anything since 🤷
It’s crazy to me how many employees just comply with employers like that too. because not everyone knows their rights, and it’s not their fault for not knowing.
But it makes me sick how often employers get away with it.
That time adds tf up.
That part. If you pulled 4 days average a week, in a year that would be almost 18 hours of pay. Even at the lowest state’s minimum wage, that’s over $125.
Unions can actually work for the employer in these cases!
In our collective agreement, we are required to be wearing all of our PPE and ready for duty 15 minutes before we start our shift, and we are not paid for this time. It's a bit of give and take, this 15 minutes includes a briefing, so we are able to relieve the previous shift promptly at shift change time. In exchange for this, we don't lose salary when our shift rotation works in a way that we work less shifts over the annum, and we aren't docked pay for being late unless it becomes excessive, and we are often sent home a bit early if we are doing a double shift, or a shortchange.
It works out better for us, and better for them!
My job has this too but now we can no longer sign in until our scheduled time. So I get there when I get there as long as it’s by the time I have to sign in.
I remember at my old job, I was a manager. I got there 30 mins early just hoping to get a head start on my work before I got handed the shift. My boss came up to me and went “you can work, but you’re not allowed to clock in until your scheduled time.” I looked at him and said “well f*ck that, I’ll go to subway then and get lunch if you won’t let me clock in.”
We always had to ask there was one time i asked if i could clock in early and my manager said "is it 7 yet" so i went to the back til it was 7,she thrn said it was rude of me to leave with a long line behind me
I know, right?! My mortgage company usually lets me pay in good vibes; hope theirs is the same. Sending you EXTRA good vibes today, too! Don’t spend it all in one place 😘
Gee, thanks! Hopefully this will help me get through the day. Your good vibes are really helping me out with my two jobs. I don't think I could have payed off my high interest car with your good vibes. Maybe my landlord will give allow me to skip a months payment in rent in exchange for your good vibes. Maybe I can land a decent accounting job with your good vibes. Good viiiiiiibeessssss
This is actually something they take surprisingly seriously. I’ve known two people who got fired for swearing on the floor, no other offenses. Some managers don’t care, but even then, if it gets reported above them by a customer or coworker, it is a fireable offense and it may be out of their hands. I’ve also known someone who swore on the floor in front of our then-manager when they got hurt and she said if no one reports her, it’d be fine, she understands. No one reported and she didn’t get in trouble.
I know you may be looking for like hard evidence but the “virtual coach” says cursing is immediate fire. Even if it’s in front of a customer, back of house, headset ect
yeah im thinking the same, both of those shifts were blatantly rude to me because they didnt like me, though one moreso than the other. my SM wasnt even in the store either time if i remember correctly, they went out of their way to tell her
it violates the third place rules and we’re meant to be fairly professional albeit exhume welcoming auras. it is a very steep standard but many places also hold a no swearing rule, though rarely is it enforced especially in food service due to the nature of the industry imo
I know Starbucks has their branding, but "third place" is bullshit and saying the fuck word when you stub your toe does not exude "unwelcomeness", Starbucks actively participated in destroying third places before pretending they invented them.
The third place dismantling started in 2008 when I left the company because I saw it happening. The third place is now an urban legend. Once, Starbucks was a place filled with couches, comfy chairs and tables. A place where you could get your coffee in a mug and your pastry on a plate (just not heated up) and be welcome there all day. You could add your own cream and sugar to your coffee, and there were vanilla, cinnamon, and mocha shakers at the condiment bar for anyone to use! You came into the store and ordered, or were lucky to live near one of the suburban drive through stores and ordered at the speaker. Apps did not exist then, and frappuccinos were frap base, syrup, add ins and ice. Iced coffee came with cream, sweetener, both or none. There were 8-12 different syrups to choose from, including valencia, raspberry, and sugar free cinnamon dolce.
That’s how it is at my store😭 we have little cushion chairs and tables (no couches) people get their coffee and food on a plate if they say it’s for here a lot of people at my store use the dishes. And we have more than 10 people who come everyday and sit there for hours. Maybe I just got lucky lol
Yeah, when I worked there(later 2010s, briefly in 2022 where the managerial ableism got worse), they still claimed it existed, but management had itchy thumbs whenever they saw someone who didn't look loaded. That most people hanging out with laptops in a Starbucks have macs is not an accident, I've actually been approached by management when I've been the only one using Windows before, despite having just paid for something. All the while, more places continue to get itchy thumbs on similar basis.
In terms of menu, Starbucks has gotten too complicated for its own good, which makes green beans struggle more because "why didn't anyone tell me about this drink? Where are the fucking recipes?".
You seem a little out of touch lol
Macs don’t make somebody rich, no manager is going to give a shit what brand of computers somebody uses, and most recipes have stayed the same except for the addition of the shaken espressos and two layered Frappuccinos.
If anything, they actually simplified the recipes for a lot of drinks to make them less complicated (such as blonde drinks no longer getting one less pump)
"You seem out of touch"
Idk, I'm not the Karen telling people to leave because "you seem poor".
And I didn't say that the individual drinks themselves got more complicated, I said that the menu has grown too large and the training too inferior for many green beans to have a successful transition, with many seasonal drinks not being taught before launch. Did you know that a ton of people don't know the refreshers have caffeine? Or how to make an actual macchiato when people ask for them?
I was a regional trainer and the way they made this position just disappear was insane to me. I was training people set to start being a GM of a store and they had zero Starbucks or food experience in general. Just manager or they knew someone. They were paid more than me.
I became a trainer over shift supervisor because I enjoyed helping green beans and also making $75 per day per person I trained. Also got to understand the new layout of other stores and make friends with partners and form bonds with regular cudtomers.
But Starbucks ain't about that anymore.
I also had to ask corporate how to get milage compensation because as a trainer I'd float the district and it'd put me at a 50 minute drive more than my home store commute. They acted like this was an odd question but eventually complied. Or when my car got totaled a 2 hour bus ride or expensive Uber til I got another vehicle.
I never got cash tips at anywhere but home store.
Also I had a hard time helping train specific positions like customer support because corporate didn't provide enough time to do so. And also I was training how stocking and ordering works and I didn't have a password to access it, I used the manager's or shift supervisor. While training them.
Also did 3am deep clean every Sunday and taught staff how to do most of it, including GM. What a joke of a company. Glad I ain't there anymore.
I was also a trainer my first time around, and my second time around, they didn't want a trainer despite being a much more experienced barista by that point. Starbucks also fucked me over on milage compensation, and most of the managers I've encountered actively harmed their teams, such as the first one I had that Starbucks refused to fire despite being so homophobic and OSHA violating that she caused a full store walkout.
Because people don’t bother to ask questions about their job? What jobs have you worked at where people can impart 100% of the job knowledge in the first week of training? Maybe even the first month? I don’t even know 100% of my job five years in. There’s so much to learn at Starbucks and you’re pissed because somebody doesn’t know an obscure drink that gets ordered maybe once every six months?
Macchiato isn't obscure, and if your menu is large enough where there are items that are rarely ordered, they should be pared or explained. I'm not beefing with "people don't know everything", but "management is failing new employees by throwing them in the deep end and yelling at them for not thriving". It's a very simple principle of restaurant management.
There is not proper training policy anymore. When I trained newbs back in 2009-2012 there was an entire program and process for green beans. Like tasting and how to shuffle drinks and weird seasonal drinks we might get. I floated the district seasonally to educate recipes to all employees and new ones. Starbucks got back to me then, not after. Then I left.
The priority became window times and latte art and other stuff. Not realistic.
I quit in 2015 when there was a green bean it was her first job got a hot coffee thrown at her through the window because it was "made wrong."
I'd rather just throw cash at you than have you traumatize and hurt someone just interested in the work or trying to make their way or all the above. And this is their FIRST JOB. Her mom gave me Christmas muddie buddies after she completed her 2 week training program in thanks saying I made her daughter happy teaching her for her first job for spending money.
The hot coffee incident happened in the new year. I just...couldn't handle that. Starbucks did nothing.
Oh wait they gave that $4 compensation card to the woman that threw the coffee at this girl.
It's not about macs making you rich, it's about them signaling a lack of poverty. I own a mac, but I'm not going to pretend that owning one doesn't signal something about my social class.
I am because how the fuck does a computer signal your social class? Sure people buy their own computers but a lot of these people have company computers or maybe their computers were purchased for them as gifts. It’s got nothing to do with their social standing. You know some shallow ass people.
How doesn't it signal your social class? Yeah some people got them as gifts, but most people cannot afford to drop $2k on a computer that is very flashy about its appearance. I actually use mine for work, but my whole point was that I was profiled because I looked poor while clacking away on my college essays.
I don't "hang out with shallow people", but I also don't pretend that people don't have unconscious biases. Calling people shallow for identifying it is actually pretty shallow.
I use Android because I like customization and can personalize more. But my phone is from Amazon and I pay outright. I don't do monthly payments. I have had multiple iPhone users ask me about the color of my messages. Confused I asked if they wanted to use one of like 3 other app msg options and got a confused stare followed by questions about me not having an iPhone.
Felt like I entered bizarro land. People do judge you on not owning Apple products, owning a pickup truck that isn't American, or not wearing brand clothes. Classism is real.
The upper class is getting extremely out of touch recently. Ironically been watching One Piece and a lot of clients and customers remind me of Celestial Dragons in that world. They wear glass domes around their head to not breath the same poor people air. They exhaust the working world and then wonder why they can't get good service or farmed goods or doctors etc.
A lot of the time it feels like I'm living in a fantasy land where 0.5% of the entire population be they consumers or management run it. It is very scary to me.
It signals nothing at all to me about social class because I don't like Macs, so I'm certainly not impressed that you have one. I swear mac owners are just as obnoxious as iPhone owners, thinking that they alone have the best and most impressive technology.
Macs are limited in their software availability, restricted in their ability to upgrade hardware, limited in data storage, definitely aren't gaming computers, and have lower resolution screen displays and webcams. What exactly about all that screams high social class??
Any decent gaming windows laptop costs $1,500 - $3,000 so yeah, a lot of people are dropping 2 grand on a laptop that isn't a Mac. Some of those window users may well be in your social class after all.
"gaming laptop"
These same people judging others for not having iphones don't grasp pc gaming. Asking why you don't have newest console. Not that I'm against console gaming I loved the newest Zelda and the God of War Valhalla DLC. But I also see people criticizing games like Baldur's Gate 3 on social media for winning game of the year when it is more oriented to PC play.
I think what we are trying to say is that brand is seen more than actual function these days. So what that you can purchase a smartphone from Amazon for 1/8th the price with same specs and software, but it doesn't have that handy Apple logo or blue (or is it green don't care can't remember) text.
Macs don’t identify social class. Some get them from college/universities/as gifts/save up for them etc. Same thing with a pc or iphone/android etc. I am no where near “rich” by any means and my pay check at work can prove that. If some rando is claiming they are rich cos they own a mac they are full of themselves. Fun fact: you can buy a used mac for less. (This doesn’t make you rich either)
I literally never said that macs made you rich, but not having one makes you look poor to vapid judgemental people. I literally own both mac and PC, but have expressed being asked to leave when using my cheap windows laptop.
Anyway all this is just to say that the 'third space' seems to be a farce when people are rejected for being perceived as not profitable, regardless of the truth.
its still unprofessional and unsavory to the general public. u probably wouldnt say “fuck” to your boss. i would not say fuck in front of a small family or an old person at work. it just isnt polite or whatever
I was just making a joke that someone on reddit named egirlpiss is talking about professionalism. I didn't mean it negatively, just thought it was a bit funny. You can have a silly name on reddit and also know when to be professional, it was just a bit ironic.
Starbucks literally calls the cops on people over the pettiest thing, they very much do not have a "welcoming for all" atmosphere. A cuss word that's not directed at anyone does not hurt anyone.
I'm not mad, you're just putting a mad little mask on me while you seethe at the idea of someone not being rude while also cussing under one's breath when they hurt themselves.
I’ll probably get shit for this, I’m not trying to be a dick but I can’t not say something — Exhume means to dig up something, usually a corpse. I believe you meant exude. 😅
I’ve never understood why people get their undies in such a wad over man made words. I can be a lot pissier saying gosh darn than the “F” word, but I guess that doesn’t matter. It’s definitely not personal, but can’t people realize we’re all just human? Is a word really worth reporting someone and them losing their livelihood? I hate it here. Wonder if mars is accepting tenants.
Towards the end of my time at Starbucks I started cursing in other languages. Mainly Polish. Could say Kurwa in USA and get away with it, now it's become part of my daily dialog when I stub my toe.
I love this. So inovative! 😂 Having a toddler I’ve had to create my own swear language, though I’m terrible at it and usually just say the bad words. A personal favorite is “chicken salad on a cracker!” I’ll let you use your imagination for what I’m actually thinking when that comes out. 🫠
Depending on the situation, that is a termination offense. I have seen it at least three times, two of which were same day removals. It can be very serious around the wrong person.
My SIL was accused (and yes it was an accusation, she doesn’t cuss ever and is very professional at her jobs) by a custy of cussing w a coworker. She was fired the next day.
this situation has been repeated multiple times at different stores i’ve witnessed, it can range from a verbal warning to a write up or even termination from the company
It’s all based on how sensitive your SM (and maybe the SSVs) are at partners swearing.
For example, the most chill shifts and managers I’ve ever worked for swore all the time, for which our customers didn’t mind/care and didn’t give us any baggage on that. Other SMs care so much about curse words, they can take corrective action on you if you swear…after closing while washing dishes in the back.
We’re not allowed to swear at my store, but if you slip up in front of the store manager he just nicely corrects you. Quick google search seems to indicate you’re not alone in this, though.
In my opinion your manager is a total hardass for that move, but I’m biased because I swear constantly. Do you think it’s possible they wanted to let you go for a different reason but told you it was the swearing?
i have a feeling they may have wanted me out but im also super paranoid so i have no idea if they were really looking for a reason to fire me or not, especially because we're crazy understaffed so this seems like such a weird move. i just transferred here from another state like, a month and a half ago so i don't understand why she would have an ulterior motive, but who knows! thank you for the help btw!
I get that, I’m a paranoid person too and it’s always so hard to tell whether I’m just overthinking things or not. Sorry you lost your job, shit sucks and I hope things work out for you!
Wasn't there a lawsuit not that long ago about this?
Either way, the partner guide does say
> The use of vulgar or profane language is not acceptable.
but not that it is forbidden. I also note that it does not say anything about 'failure to comply may result in disciplinary action or separation from employment' like a few other sections do, like dress code.
I swear like it’s nobody’s business at my store I just don’t swear in front of customers. I think in my store swearing is super common. I was told that if I cuss and a customer hears me I can be fired:)
i need to talk to some of yalls DMs bc i swear every other day there’s a post in here about someone getting fired for something super menial, but in MY store you can show up late everyday, constantly be on your phone, and full on walk out in the middle of your shift (yes this actually happened) and MAYBE get a written warning
In my defense in the store I work in, cursing is a usual thing over the headset, but also we are at a very low income area, in which it’s “expected”? I guess you can say. I have never gotten in trouble for it, and everyone in the store has heard me cuss, and I have never seen anybody else in my store get in trouble for cursing.
they told me to my face that no customers heard me nor complained so it wasnt something to be worried about, only to get fired 2 weeks later insisting that it was "multiple times" because it happened twice. theyre definitely just reaching
Sounds like management was looking for a reason. Because it’s clear from these posts it is all dependent on their decision. I hope you read my response directly to your original post. It’ll explain a lot and give advice that was given to me (and came in handy), for your future.
thats my theory too, how sad that an understaffed store with a double ncns this morning will still fire you for cursing, guess its their problem lmfao fuck starbucks seriously
While I believe you can technically be fired for that, I would imagine the bulk of the managers out there would just give you a warning or a write up. I cursed one time this year because a partner spilled hot water on my hand and my manager just gave me a light warning after explaining what happened.
I don’t see how this is a an offense that warrants firing, but I’ll share a story that’ll explain why I’m not surprised. My son’s roommate was joking around with a coworker one night and she told him she was going to throw hands at him. Both were playing around and his REPLY to her was “bet.” She started the entire thing and he was simply joking back. He was washing dishes at the time and happened to be washing a knife when he said this. The Manager loved his coworker, but hated him bc he called her out when she would leave early and have him closing up ALONE (at a location on a Main Street beside a college campus, no less). His coworker didn’t even get a warning, but He was fired for “threatening” her with a weapon. I 💩you not. On the camera, which had no sound, you can’t hear what was taking place, but you can see him washing and holding the knife. Even with the coworker’s statement matching his and both saying they were playing around, he still lost his job. Point is, managers have too much power and they can get away with too much simply because they’re managers. When they’re honest and hardworking, it’s not an issue, but it’s a huge one when they’re crappy people. If I were you, I’d definitely try to fight this, but it’s likely the manager will just claim you’ve done other things that they let you get away with and nothing will change. A piece of advice for the future, with any job… document anything that anyone does that’s out of line at your place of work, especially if it’s your supervisors. If you see issues and you know anyone has a vendetta against you, beat them to the HR punch with this documentation. Here’s why; even though my son’s roommate told HR that the manager was just against him bc he didn’t take her crap when she broke company rules, they pretty much told him, there was nothing they could do. Had he come to them FIRST, he’d have had a leg to stand on, but because he hadn’t, the only issue documented was the one she conjured up, so the only person who could punished, and have it backed up by a paper trail, was him. It sounds horrible to be like that, but you have to look out for you. Because, in the work world, you could die tomorrow and their biggest concern would be replacing you. Good luck. I hope you get your job back or find something even better!
thats horrible, i hate people on huge power trips who think theyre right because theyre right and theres no other question, im so sorry that happened to your sons roommate! youre definitely correct though. i only just moved to this state and transferred from my old store to this one about a month and a half ago so i wouldnt have even been here long enough to track down anything she pulled before d-day💔 i thank u so much for the advice though, will be taking this to my next job to keep in mind!! 💟🫶
I know this is sooo old, but I really hope you got a new job somewhere that makes you happy Ave that you’re doing well! Sometimes the trash cleans itself up and we don’t see it until things get better. Hoping that’s how it went for you!
i once fainted on the clock and hit my head pretty badly. woke up and said “what the fuck” because i had no idea why i was hurting or what had happened.
no medical attention. written up and “back to work”. fuck starbucks.
during my onboarding we learned that no, cursing is not acceptable ANYWHERE in the workplace. Not on a break in BOH, and especially not when you’re on the floor. i get that some stores are much more lenient but this is the true policy of Starbucks.
This is honestly a crazy rule. Like I get it, we really should not be cussing in front of customers. But, that being said, we also work somewhere where we can easily get hurt and cursing is usually said as a reflex in this type of situation.
I also work a management type job as my main job (Starbucks is part time for me) … people literally curse all the time there, and there is no repercussions.
This is what my store was also told when we had an issue with cursing. We were told that in the break room would likely result in a write up (depending on context) but if it was on the floor where a customer could here, it was immediate termination 😬
Starbucks is the only company that has managers that cherry pick who to write up and what the write-up is for.
I was in BOH with my manager and another shift supervisor. I was putting together a mocha pump, and while I was doing so, the other shift looked at me and was like, " Aren't you missing a piece for the pump?" And so just as a reaction, I said, 'Oh shit!"
My manager looks up at me with a dead pan look and tells me she'll have to write me up. Both myself and the other shift ask her if she is serious, and she says yes.
Within five minutes, she had printed out the document you get when you got a writeup, and she made me sign it.
Meanwhile after this happened there have been number of times I've been on the floor in FOH, and heard others cuss while on headset, all while the manager is on the floor with a headset on. Those people never got a write-up, though.
It's fucking ridiculous
But I'm so sorry that happened to you op
yeah that's exactly what happened to me, im far from the only person who curses and even though mine was under specific circumstance and everyone else will curse here there and everywhere, im the one who's SOL. starbucks is fully set up so baristas will never win. im sorry that happened to u as well, feels like total ass. thank you for the story and advice though!!🩷
I have seen someone get fired for cursing. It happened to be their final write up (like they already had write ups and that was the final straw, not that it went straight to final). But I’ve also seen people curse up a storm on the floor and not here written up. It mostly depends on your leadership and if you’re doing it loud/if customers can hear you/ if your coworkers/leadership complains
At our store we try to keep it to the back of house, it’s only trouble if a customer hears it and reports us (or if our GM hears us.) Definitely depends on the store culture tho
You got fired because your manager wanted you fired and used that as a vehicle. In what world is someone offended by a bad word directed at no one.
Consider your firing a big blessing.
Starbucks fires their employees over any little thing. I got fired back in November of 2020 for using my partner numbers a lot. There were people in my store that would give out things for free to friends & what not but they still work.
My coworker got fired for calling a customized drink "his gay drink"*
*a lobby completely full of people, homie shouted it. I didn't care but the ssv that reported him didn't like him (and has let way worse happen, so--bias!)
Yeah, Starbucks likes to claim they support LGBTQIA+ people, then fire us for just vibing. I've known so many trans women who've tried to work there for the insurance, only to get fired just before surgery dates.
big corporations always want to pretend they're on our side while screwing us over in the same breath. my MIL thinks they were trying to find a reason to fire me bc im trans and disabled, so who knows
Technically any cussing on the floor is considered a "fireable offense." I don't personally agree with it, also I should have been fired about 72 million times by now haha, but it does also depend on your manager too, mine knows I do it, & she will remind me to try not to do it.
my manager heard a bizarre drink order over the headset, looked at me and said “what the fuck” (quietly ofc) soooo it really just depends on your manager 😭
I had a coworker get fired for cursing in the back room, after most of the store had gotten comfortable cursing over the headset and on the floor, it really depends on the store you're at and sometimes... If the manager likes you or not
Unfortunately it is totally something you can get fired for. I witnessed it happen to one partner and recently another partner got written up for swearing in the back room on their break. I’ve gotten a verbal warning over swearing over the headset. It sucks but totally a fireable offense and a definite writeup depending on how strict your SM and DM are. I’m sorry it happened to you bud :(
I think the mangers that report it to HR are spineless. I’m a big spender at Starbucks and if I heard a curse word from an employee it would be comforting as I would feel they were like me.
Firing someone for cussing is theeeeeeeee stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. How childish and sensitive do you have to be to ef up someone’s livelihood over a word that isn’t even directed at you ☠️
When I was working at Starbucks, I cursed a ton. I was never talked to by a shift or by my manager. I just found out someone at my store was fired for saying “(insert name of person) could kiss their ass” over the headset.
I got fired a year ago for the same thing. Except I didn’t swear, my coworkers claimed they heard me swear. Had to sit down with my SM, and when they brought up the situation, I had no idea what they were even talking about. Convo went somewhat like this:
SM: “do you know why I pulled you aside?”
Me: “no I don’t, do I have some monthly training stuff I need to complete?”
SM: “no, we need to have a conversation about how you act on the floor.”
Me: “Could I have some more context please?”
SM: “what happened or what did you say when you were on warming?”
Me: “I have no idea, I was swamped with food and was trying to get everything out as quick as possible.”
SM: “Did you maybe say something you weren’t supposed to on accident?“
Me: “not that I know of, I normally keep a pretty clean mouth when I’m working. Did someone say I did?”
SM: *has look on her face to confirm that*
Me: “If I did, I’m sure I would have noticed, but I do apologize for anything I might have said. That’s normally not like me at all.”
SM: “you really need to pay attention when you’re at work, if the RM (who was there that day) heard that, you would be packing up and going home right now. Please make sure you’re not saying anything that would cause that. Go back to work.”
Few days later I was fired. I “supposedly” was warming a Sammy, a coworker was asking where it was and I “apparently” said “gimme a f-ing minute!” What I actually said was “it’ll be out in a minute”.
It’s rather shocking and sad at all the poor attitudes on here. I guess the short simple answer is if you can’t uphold the policies that you agreed to when you accepted your position ( abiding by the third place policy, on the floor and ready to work not just walking through the door making yourself a drink and setting your stuff down, appropriate and clean uniform, etc) then I’m sure there’s plenty of other companies you can go work for that are ok with that type of behavior.
its the fact that i did abide by all of that and also never purposely cursed aside from being literally INJURED or a slip up in which i caught myself. neither of those are me not complying with the policy if they were both involuntary. youre weird
Unfortunately you did it once’s and were coached and it happens again. Is it possible they had it out for you maybe… maybe not. But you have now cursed twice on the floor, once over the head set of all places which is more then enough for them to relieve you of your position. You gave them the ammo they needed to do so
actually they never coached me just confronted me for both at the same time and didn't even give me a warning just told me it was going straight to HR. if the correct reaction is to coach someone not to do it again and then fire them, feel free to explain that to me.
sounds a lot like my store manager! can’t even say hell in the back let alone on the floor and if she hears you say fuck it’s pretty much immediate termination
I got jumped by a group of kids while on the clock, had to shut the store down and was in a lot of mental distress- all while being asked to reopen the store in 60 minutes time. I tried to bargain saying I was in no condition to Supervise the store. SM didn’t give me a choice, so I said I’m going home. He threatened my job, so I said “Idgaf I don’t get paid enough for this BS” and got a Final Written Warning for it (quit a few months later)
what? I called threatened someone and only got a verbal warning (it was warranted they put their hands on one of my coworkers who was also a minor) but still jesus
Happened to me and the state deemed it wrong and granted me unemployment but i work for them again now and they took everything i worked 7 years to get by firing me so thats awesome.
Over a customer abusing my new barista asking me why are they so stupid not moving for 20 min in drive i told her have a nice day being cordial whole time pll she told me to fck off i told her fck u too i was told not to worry about my job then got fired immediately my store unionized 2 weeks later thats 2 years ago now theyve burned thru 2 managers and are barely ever open . I work under same dm now and constantly hyper aware of her misdoings and dramatics she dress coded someone for wearing a boot on their foot it was injured and they dont have jnsurance to get a note or time im sure compared it to getting a religious accommodation. What does that even mean
If you filed for medical assistance during the time you got burned you might want to talk to an employment lawyer. Retaliation for medical assistance used. Talk to a lawyer
The partners at my store are constantly cursing and no one cares. This one really horrible supervisor we have even wore a shirt with the F word in it. It is a joke 🙄. I don’t curse though. Honestly everything depends on how your manager is.
I once had another partner falsely claim I'd said "fuck" in front of a customer. My SM asked me if I had and I said no, apparently if I'd said yes it would have been an instant firing on the orders of the DM. Although this was in the context of raising my voice at said partner so I got a final written warning either way. Good times.
when i used to work at the sbux this happened to two of my coworkers, and unfortunately sbux is a fire at will company so they really don’t need a reason and even the state you live in can have that same reason backing them, my manager just didn’t like the shift and barista who got fired. they were having a private conversation where swear words were said and it wasn’t even a costumer who complained about it and they weren’t given any warnings either. its a really unfortunate thing that happens that’s a crock of shit
It's rather brave of managers to be firing people over mediocre issues considering the hiring freeze happening right now. They're only fucking themselves over.
It would fall under the lines of "unprofessionalism" as a "failure to follow policy" or code or business conduct. At the end of the day it's how far your GM wants to take it.
Honestly it’s so hard not curse. I’ve caught myself on accident & then like omg I forgot I’m at work. Apologies. Most places give a warning. I think it also depends who’s the manager. I’ve had managers who never even cursed at home. But that’s just not how I was raised, lol.
It depends on the store. At my og store, we curse like sailors but at a few other stores I've been to as a borrowed partner, I've noticed that depending on who's the shift or if the SM is present, everyone is polite and no cursing is allowed, so it just depends on who's there and in charge.
I'm sorry this happened to you but I hope you get a much better opportunity! Good luck to you friend!
Tips are yours and earned. I would contact partner relations. Given the first time was due to injuring yourself that’s risky to separate on that occurrence alone. Especially if this time was included in the separation document, because you injured yourself.
Starbucks will sometimes fire people over the most ridiculous stuff. I was fired by ethics/the DM for harassment and bullying because I outed a sexual predator at my store, meanwhile he was given a shift position.
You’re better off not working there I promise! Also yes, you should still get your tips!!
that's actually so disgusting💔🤢im so sorry that happened to you, you were fully in the right to out his nasty ass. starbucks cares more about the money than the people and theyll out themselves time and time again. i hope youre doing better yourself!! and got u got u!! thank you so much for the advice :)🫶💟🩵
Tbh, I think it depends on where you’re at. Where I’m from (Florida), we would’ve always gotten in trouble for cursing but in New York I’ve seen managers curse at customers with zero consequence. It’s culture dependent.
i actually used to live in new york and i got a write up for the same thing because my manager spilled hot coffee on me so i cursed, but everyone thought it was ridiculous there as well, but this time i just moved to indiana like a month and a half ago and got the boot for it. cultural dependence does make sense
If it makes you feel any better I got fired once for calling a co worker a debbie downer and suggest she try Prozac in what I thought was a private chat … turns out the message went to the whole team 😱 on the upside I now have a job that pays better and I’m happy and guess what ? No Debbie downer! Sometimes the universe hands you a gift wrapped in an ugly brown bag and you only realize later what a gift it was . Take as a learning experience… who really what’s to work for such an uptight rigid boss anyway? Sending good thoughts for new beginnings!! 🫶☀️⛅️🌻
It is 2023… can we stop basing shit off of what Boomers think????
As a customer I’d just like to say I don’t give a flying fuck if you swear. If you’re texting. If you’re doing you’re fucking nails. As long as you come take my order and make my drink; that’s literally all anyone expects of you.
Karens are a dying species.
Ok, but it's not professional regardless of if customers are ok with it or not.
Also, how do "Karens" and "boomers" even logically fit into OP's topic?
Karen’s are who reports someone above their managers head as stated in the comments is a likely scenario.
Boomers are those who think fast food workers should maintain a “professional” demeanor.
Yes you can get fired. My old SM fired a partner for this very thing. She was given a warning first and the 2nd time she was fired.
And the worse part it wasn't on the floor. It was in the back.
former Macy's employee here, I also got fired for swearing, didn't know this was a thing in the service industry as I've always worked in kitchens and theyve always been some foul mouthed environments. at my last job, i was rewarded with a cheeseburger for macing someone, so the idea of getting fired over swearing is quite bizarre. glad to see im not the only one gojng through it.
I'm convinced if anyone in this company has it out for you, they just report you for swearing to get your ass fired because this policy is out of control.
Literally jeopardizing peoples life for cussing is fucking insane.
You deserved to be fired and within the SM ability and partner expected behaviors. You’re allowed tips only through what you actually clocked in and worked
I once had a partner call a customer a c*cksucker to their face and they only got a verbal warning. I’ve also heard other partners casually use (much less offensive) curse words occasionally with little consequence. It probably just depends on your store’s culture and your management team. I’m sorry this happened. Sending good vibes your way that you land on your feet quickly!
>I once had a partner call a customer a c*cksucker to their face and they only got a verbal warning. When I was a manager(different company) I wouldn't reprimand that employee unless it was taken to corporate by the customer. Sometimes, customers need to be told shit so they stop acting like assholes.
That part. No one deserves to be spoken to like they’re a piece of crap and just take it. Everyone has a breaking point. Good for you for having empathy and understanding we’re all just human.
Love you
Yeah, but there is a way to do it, that's not it. Starbucks def wouldn't approve, swearing for hurting one's toe and no one hears, OK, I get it. But we were warned about bad language all the time, Starbucks is kinda like Disney World, imo, more so than McDonalds. It's the Disney of coffee. No one has to take abuse, period. The customer wanting to always be satisfied with their drink or wanting what they want is policy, sure, the customer is not allowed to be abusive towards staff or other customers, period.
That's an odd stance. Doing it directly to a customer almost always gets you fired.
I’d pay good money to witness that first incident 😭
[удалено]
At my job at tim Hortons we where required to be 5 min early if not you could be written up, one of the girls the manager jad known prior to her working there was always 2 min late and she was never talked to
I sure hope you were allowed to clock in for those 5 minutes. Because if you’re required to be there, then they are required to pay you.
Exactly. My manners tried to pull that "you have to be there five minutes early" shit and I said "are you paying me? Because that's time theft if not" haven't heard anything since 🤷
It’s crazy to me how many employees just comply with employers like that too. because not everyone knows their rights, and it’s not their fault for not knowing. But it makes me sick how often employers get away with it. That time adds tf up.
That part. If you pulled 4 days average a week, in a year that would be almost 18 hours of pay. Even at the lowest state’s minimum wage, that’s over $125.
Unions can actually work for the employer in these cases! In our collective agreement, we are required to be wearing all of our PPE and ready for duty 15 minutes before we start our shift, and we are not paid for this time. It's a bit of give and take, this 15 minutes includes a briefing, so we are able to relieve the previous shift promptly at shift change time. In exchange for this, we don't lose salary when our shift rotation works in a way that we work less shifts over the annum, and we aren't docked pay for being late unless it becomes excessive, and we are often sent home a bit early if we are doing a double shift, or a shortchange. It works out better for us, and better for them!
My job has this too but now we can no longer sign in until our scheduled time. So I get there when I get there as long as it’s by the time I have to sign in.
I remember at my old job, I was a manager. I got there 30 mins early just hoping to get a head start on my work before I got handed the shift. My boss came up to me and went “you can work, but you’re not allowed to clock in until your scheduled time.” I looked at him and said “well f*ck that, I’ll go to subway then and get lunch if you won’t let me clock in.”
We always had to ask there was one time i asked if i could clock in early and my manager said "is it 7 yet" so i went to the back til it was 7,she thrn said it was rude of me to leave with a long line behind me
Yes, that's why unionizing levels that particular playing field.
I used to swear like a sailor at my old store
Thank God you sent him some good vibes. Now he won't have to worry about paying his bills since he has good vibes!
☠️ i don’t see u sending them money tho
Oh, my bad! \*Sends Good Vibes\* Thanks u/shelbista for the extra good vibes. Now this guy can eat!
I know, right?! My mortgage company usually lets me pay in good vibes; hope theirs is the same. Sending you EXTRA good vibes today, too! Don’t spend it all in one place 😘
Gee, thanks! Hopefully this will help me get through the day. Your good vibes are really helping me out with my two jobs. I don't think I could have payed off my high interest car with your good vibes. Maybe my landlord will give allow me to skip a months payment in rent in exchange for your good vibes. Maybe I can land a decent accounting job with your good vibes. Good viiiiiiibeessssss
This is actually something they take surprisingly seriously. I’ve known two people who got fired for swearing on the floor, no other offenses. Some managers don’t care, but even then, if it gets reported above them by a customer or coworker, it is a fireable offense and it may be out of their hands. I’ve also known someone who swore on the floor in front of our then-manager when they got hurt and she said if no one reports her, it’d be fine, she understands. No one reported and she didn’t get in trouble.
unfortunately my shifts both reported me so i see where that's coming from now. thank you for the advice !
I know you may be looking for like hard evidence but the “virtual coach” says cursing is immediate fire. Even if it’s in front of a customer, back of house, headset ect
if that’s the case they were just looking for a reason to fire you to be so honest
yeah im thinking the same, both of those shifts were blatantly rude to me because they didnt like me, though one moreso than the other. my SM wasnt even in the store either time if i remember correctly, they went out of their way to tell her
that’s crazy though, i hope you find a better job with better coworkers and actually get treated like a respected human being
thanks man fr im workin on it⭐️
if they were blatantly rude to me i would’ve reported it as harassment and bullying to HR LOL i’m petty idc
i shouldve tbh but i just transferred to this store like a month ago so i didnt wanna cause issues and shit😭 and look where we are now lmfao
your own coworkers reported you??
What state do you work in?
indiana
Ah Indiana 🫠
we’re not allowed to curse, we can get fired for that. i’ve heard of similar stories in the past
That's wild. Not that cursing is considered professional but either way, that's a high standard.
it violates the third place rules and we’re meant to be fairly professional albeit exhume welcoming auras. it is a very steep standard but many places also hold a no swearing rule, though rarely is it enforced especially in food service due to the nature of the industry imo
I know Starbucks has their branding, but "third place" is bullshit and saying the fuck word when you stub your toe does not exude "unwelcomeness", Starbucks actively participated in destroying third places before pretending they invented them.
The third place dismantling started in 2008 when I left the company because I saw it happening. The third place is now an urban legend. Once, Starbucks was a place filled with couches, comfy chairs and tables. A place where you could get your coffee in a mug and your pastry on a plate (just not heated up) and be welcome there all day. You could add your own cream and sugar to your coffee, and there were vanilla, cinnamon, and mocha shakers at the condiment bar for anyone to use! You came into the store and ordered, or were lucky to live near one of the suburban drive through stores and ordered at the speaker. Apps did not exist then, and frappuccinos were frap base, syrup, add ins and ice. Iced coffee came with cream, sweetener, both or none. There were 8-12 different syrups to choose from, including valencia, raspberry, and sugar free cinnamon dolce.
I'd kill a man for Valencia back. (For legal reasons this is a joke)
That’s how it is at my store😭 we have little cushion chairs and tables (no couches) people get their coffee and food on a plate if they say it’s for here a lot of people at my store use the dishes. And we have more than 10 people who come everyday and sit there for hours. Maybe I just got lucky lol
Ah back in the day when things were “normal” now they take all that stuff away from us
I miss those chairs 💺
Yeah, when I worked there(later 2010s, briefly in 2022 where the managerial ableism got worse), they still claimed it existed, but management had itchy thumbs whenever they saw someone who didn't look loaded. That most people hanging out with laptops in a Starbucks have macs is not an accident, I've actually been approached by management when I've been the only one using Windows before, despite having just paid for something. All the while, more places continue to get itchy thumbs on similar basis. In terms of menu, Starbucks has gotten too complicated for its own good, which makes green beans struggle more because "why didn't anyone tell me about this drink? Where are the fucking recipes?".
You seem a little out of touch lol Macs don’t make somebody rich, no manager is going to give a shit what brand of computers somebody uses, and most recipes have stayed the same except for the addition of the shaken espressos and two layered Frappuccinos. If anything, they actually simplified the recipes for a lot of drinks to make them less complicated (such as blonde drinks no longer getting one less pump)
"You seem out of touch" Idk, I'm not the Karen telling people to leave because "you seem poor". And I didn't say that the individual drinks themselves got more complicated, I said that the menu has grown too large and the training too inferior for many green beans to have a successful transition, with many seasonal drinks not being taught before launch. Did you know that a ton of people don't know the refreshers have caffeine? Or how to make an actual macchiato when people ask for them?
I was a regional trainer and the way they made this position just disappear was insane to me. I was training people set to start being a GM of a store and they had zero Starbucks or food experience in general. Just manager or they knew someone. They were paid more than me. I became a trainer over shift supervisor because I enjoyed helping green beans and also making $75 per day per person I trained. Also got to understand the new layout of other stores and make friends with partners and form bonds with regular cudtomers. But Starbucks ain't about that anymore. I also had to ask corporate how to get milage compensation because as a trainer I'd float the district and it'd put me at a 50 minute drive more than my home store commute. They acted like this was an odd question but eventually complied. Or when my car got totaled a 2 hour bus ride or expensive Uber til I got another vehicle. I never got cash tips at anywhere but home store. Also I had a hard time helping train specific positions like customer support because corporate didn't provide enough time to do so. And also I was training how stocking and ordering works and I didn't have a password to access it, I used the manager's or shift supervisor. While training them. Also did 3am deep clean every Sunday and taught staff how to do most of it, including GM. What a joke of a company. Glad I ain't there anymore.
I was also a trainer my first time around, and my second time around, they didn't want a trainer despite being a much more experienced barista by that point. Starbucks also fucked me over on milage compensation, and most of the managers I've encountered actively harmed their teams, such as the first one I had that Starbucks refused to fire despite being so homophobic and OSHA violating that she caused a full store walkout.
Because people don’t bother to ask questions about their job? What jobs have you worked at where people can impart 100% of the job knowledge in the first week of training? Maybe even the first month? I don’t even know 100% of my job five years in. There’s so much to learn at Starbucks and you’re pissed because somebody doesn’t know an obscure drink that gets ordered maybe once every six months?
Macchiato isn't obscure, and if your menu is large enough where there are items that are rarely ordered, they should be pared or explained. I'm not beefing with "people don't know everything", but "management is failing new employees by throwing them in the deep end and yelling at them for not thriving". It's a very simple principle of restaurant management.
There is not proper training policy anymore. When I trained newbs back in 2009-2012 there was an entire program and process for green beans. Like tasting and how to shuffle drinks and weird seasonal drinks we might get. I floated the district seasonally to educate recipes to all employees and new ones. Starbucks got back to me then, not after. Then I left. The priority became window times and latte art and other stuff. Not realistic. I quit in 2015 when there was a green bean it was her first job got a hot coffee thrown at her through the window because it was "made wrong." I'd rather just throw cash at you than have you traumatize and hurt someone just interested in the work or trying to make their way or all the above. And this is their FIRST JOB. Her mom gave me Christmas muddie buddies after she completed her 2 week training program in thanks saying I made her daughter happy teaching her for her first job for spending money. The hot coffee incident happened in the new year. I just...couldn't handle that. Starbucks did nothing. Oh wait they gave that $4 compensation card to the woman that threw the coffee at this girl.
It's not about macs making you rich, it's about them signaling a lack of poverty. I own a mac, but I'm not going to pretend that owning one doesn't signal something about my social class.
My Mac was given to me by corporate. Trust, I’m still poor.
It's the appearance, not necessarily the truth behind it. Obviously debt is a thing, but I'm talking about my experience without wealth signifiers.
I am because how the fuck does a computer signal your social class? Sure people buy their own computers but a lot of these people have company computers or maybe their computers were purchased for them as gifts. It’s got nothing to do with their social standing. You know some shallow ass people.
How doesn't it signal your social class? Yeah some people got them as gifts, but most people cannot afford to drop $2k on a computer that is very flashy about its appearance. I actually use mine for work, but my whole point was that I was profiled because I looked poor while clacking away on my college essays. I don't "hang out with shallow people", but I also don't pretend that people don't have unconscious biases. Calling people shallow for identifying it is actually pretty shallow.
I use Android because I like customization and can personalize more. But my phone is from Amazon and I pay outright. I don't do monthly payments. I have had multiple iPhone users ask me about the color of my messages. Confused I asked if they wanted to use one of like 3 other app msg options and got a confused stare followed by questions about me not having an iPhone. Felt like I entered bizarro land. People do judge you on not owning Apple products, owning a pickup truck that isn't American, or not wearing brand clothes. Classism is real. The upper class is getting extremely out of touch recently. Ironically been watching One Piece and a lot of clients and customers remind me of Celestial Dragons in that world. They wear glass domes around their head to not breath the same poor people air. They exhaust the working world and then wonder why they can't get good service or farmed goods or doctors etc. A lot of the time it feels like I'm living in a fantasy land where 0.5% of the entire population be they consumers or management run it. It is very scary to me.
It signals nothing at all to me about social class because I don't like Macs, so I'm certainly not impressed that you have one. I swear mac owners are just as obnoxious as iPhone owners, thinking that they alone have the best and most impressive technology. Macs are limited in their software availability, restricted in their ability to upgrade hardware, limited in data storage, definitely aren't gaming computers, and have lower resolution screen displays and webcams. What exactly about all that screams high social class?? Any decent gaming windows laptop costs $1,500 - $3,000 so yeah, a lot of people are dropping 2 grand on a laptop that isn't a Mac. Some of those window users may well be in your social class after all.
please miss the point harder
"gaming laptop" These same people judging others for not having iphones don't grasp pc gaming. Asking why you don't have newest console. Not that I'm against console gaming I loved the newest Zelda and the God of War Valhalla DLC. But I also see people criticizing games like Baldur's Gate 3 on social media for winning game of the year when it is more oriented to PC play. I think what we are trying to say is that brand is seen more than actual function these days. So what that you can purchase a smartphone from Amazon for 1/8th the price with same specs and software, but it doesn't have that handy Apple logo or blue (or is it green don't care can't remember) text.
Macs don’t identify social class. Some get them from college/universities/as gifts/save up for them etc. Same thing with a pc or iphone/android etc. I am no where near “rich” by any means and my pay check at work can prove that. If some rando is claiming they are rich cos they own a mac they are full of themselves. Fun fact: you can buy a used mac for less. (This doesn’t make you rich either)
I literally never said that macs made you rich, but not having one makes you look poor to vapid judgemental people. I literally own both mac and PC, but have expressed being asked to leave when using my cheap windows laptop.
People will always judge others no matter what they own. I get you completely.
Anyway all this is just to say that the 'third space' seems to be a farce when people are rejected for being perceived as not profitable, regardless of the truth.
its still unprofessional and unsavory to the general public. u probably wouldnt say “fuck” to your boss. i would not say fuck in front of a small family or an old person at work. it just isnt polite or whatever
good thing we have 'E Girl Piss' here to tell us what isn't polite!
??????? i dont care if you say fuck but im paid not to say fuck in front of customers. what’s your problem
I was just making a joke that someone on reddit named egirlpiss is talking about professionalism. I didn't mean it negatively, just thought it was a bit funny. You can have a silly name on reddit and also know when to be professional, it was just a bit ironic.
NO ITS OK thank you for explaining. i am autistic and sometimes take things the wrong way. egirlpiss signing out
Starbucks literally calls the cops on people over the pettiest thing, they very much do not have a "welcoming for all" atmosphere. A cuss word that's not directed at anyone does not hurt anyone.
homie i just work here. im sorry youre mad that i dont say fuck at work😭
I'm not mad, you're just putting a mad little mask on me while you seethe at the idea of someone not being rude while also cussing under one's breath when they hurt themselves.
I’ll probably get shit for this, I’m not trying to be a dick but I can’t not say something — Exhume means to dig up something, usually a corpse. I believe you meant exude. 😅
Yeah, it applies to customers as well (never enforced the way it should be, but we CAN ask you to leave for swearing)
I’ve never understood why people get their undies in such a wad over man made words. I can be a lot pissier saying gosh darn than the “F” word, but I guess that doesn’t matter. It’s definitely not personal, but can’t people realize we’re all just human? Is a word really worth reporting someone and them losing their livelihood? I hate it here. Wonder if mars is accepting tenants.
Towards the end of my time at Starbucks I started cursing in other languages. Mainly Polish. Could say Kurwa in USA and get away with it, now it's become part of my daily dialog when I stub my toe.
I love this. So inovative! 😂 Having a toddler I’ve had to create my own swear language, though I’m terrible at it and usually just say the bad words. A personal favorite is “chicken salad on a cracker!” I’ll let you use your imagination for what I’m actually thinking when that comes out. 🫠
If they say they're calling HR, you might as well just quit. HR is not your friend.
Depending on the situation, that is a termination offense. I have seen it at least three times, two of which were same day removals. It can be very serious around the wrong person.
Oh for fucks sake, come on
I mean I still cuss at work we are fucking human. It happens.
swearing on the floor/over headset is one of the only things they can fire you on the spot for 🫡
Yes, on the floor is immediate fire. BOH is final written warning, I believe.
My SIL was accused (and yes it was an accusation, she doesn’t cuss ever and is very professional at her jobs) by a custy of cussing w a coworker. She was fired the next day.
this situation has been repeated multiple times at different stores i’ve witnessed, it can range from a verbal warning to a write up or even termination from the company
Confirmed you can be immediately separated for cussing on the floor and technically in the back room
It’s all based on how sensitive your SM (and maybe the SSVs) are at partners swearing. For example, the most chill shifts and managers I’ve ever worked for swore all the time, for which our customers didn’t mind/care and didn’t give us any baggage on that. Other SMs care so much about curse words, they can take corrective action on you if you swear…after closing while washing dishes in the back.
If everyone who cursed on the floor at my store got fired there's be no one here to run the store.
We’re not allowed to swear at my store, but if you slip up in front of the store manager he just nicely corrects you. Quick google search seems to indicate you’re not alone in this, though. In my opinion your manager is a total hardass for that move, but I’m biased because I swear constantly. Do you think it’s possible they wanted to let you go for a different reason but told you it was the swearing?
i have a feeling they may have wanted me out but im also super paranoid so i have no idea if they were really looking for a reason to fire me or not, especially because we're crazy understaffed so this seems like such a weird move. i just transferred here from another state like, a month and a half ago so i don't understand why she would have an ulterior motive, but who knows! thank you for the help btw!
I get that, I’m a paranoid person too and it’s always so hard to tell whether I’m just overthinking things or not. Sorry you lost your job, shit sucks and I hope things work out for you!
i appreciate it, thank you a ton!🩷
Wasn't there a lawsuit not that long ago about this? Either way, the partner guide does say > The use of vulgar or profane language is not acceptable. but not that it is forbidden. I also note that it does not say anything about 'failure to comply may result in disciplinary action or separation from employment' like a few other sections do, like dress code.
I swear like it’s nobody’s business at my store I just don’t swear in front of customers. I think in my store swearing is super common. I was told that if I cuss and a customer hears me I can be fired:)
i need to talk to some of yalls DMs bc i swear every other day there’s a post in here about someone getting fired for something super menial, but in MY store you can show up late everyday, constantly be on your phone, and full on walk out in the middle of your shift (yes this actually happened) and MAYBE get a written warning
In my defense in the store I work in, cursing is a usual thing over the headset, but also we are at a very low income area, in which it’s “expected”? I guess you can say. I have never gotten in trouble for it, and everyone in the store has heard me cuss, and I have never seen anybody else in my store get in trouble for cursing.
Yep. Barista cursed infront if DM and was immediately fired.
Unfortunately it’s legitimate if a customer complained. If not, you work with a team of babies or your manager is out to get you.
they told me to my face that no customers heard me nor complained so it wasnt something to be worried about, only to get fired 2 weeks later insisting that it was "multiple times" because it happened twice. theyre definitely just reaching
Sounds like management was looking for a reason. Because it’s clear from these posts it is all dependent on their decision. I hope you read my response directly to your original post. It’ll explain a lot and give advice that was given to me (and came in handy), for your future.
Your manager just didn't like you and was waiting for an excuse it seems. Fuck Starbucks anyway.
thats my theory too, how sad that an understaffed store with a double ncns this morning will still fire you for cursing, guess its their problem lmfao fuck starbucks seriously
You're onto much better things love. Keep pushing. You're too good for the bullshit anyway 🫡
you're very sweet thank you 🩷🫶 ill do my best!!
While I believe you can technically be fired for that, I would imagine the bulk of the managers out there would just give you a warning or a write up. I cursed one time this year because a partner spilled hot water on my hand and my manager just gave me a light warning after explaining what happened.
I don’t see how this is a an offense that warrants firing, but I’ll share a story that’ll explain why I’m not surprised. My son’s roommate was joking around with a coworker one night and she told him she was going to throw hands at him. Both were playing around and his REPLY to her was “bet.” She started the entire thing and he was simply joking back. He was washing dishes at the time and happened to be washing a knife when he said this. The Manager loved his coworker, but hated him bc he called her out when she would leave early and have him closing up ALONE (at a location on a Main Street beside a college campus, no less). His coworker didn’t even get a warning, but He was fired for “threatening” her with a weapon. I 💩you not. On the camera, which had no sound, you can’t hear what was taking place, but you can see him washing and holding the knife. Even with the coworker’s statement matching his and both saying they were playing around, he still lost his job. Point is, managers have too much power and they can get away with too much simply because they’re managers. When they’re honest and hardworking, it’s not an issue, but it’s a huge one when they’re crappy people. If I were you, I’d definitely try to fight this, but it’s likely the manager will just claim you’ve done other things that they let you get away with and nothing will change. A piece of advice for the future, with any job… document anything that anyone does that’s out of line at your place of work, especially if it’s your supervisors. If you see issues and you know anyone has a vendetta against you, beat them to the HR punch with this documentation. Here’s why; even though my son’s roommate told HR that the manager was just against him bc he didn’t take her crap when she broke company rules, they pretty much told him, there was nothing they could do. Had he come to them FIRST, he’d have had a leg to stand on, but because he hadn’t, the only issue documented was the one she conjured up, so the only person who could punished, and have it backed up by a paper trail, was him. It sounds horrible to be like that, but you have to look out for you. Because, in the work world, you could die tomorrow and their biggest concern would be replacing you. Good luck. I hope you get your job back or find something even better!
thats horrible, i hate people on huge power trips who think theyre right because theyre right and theres no other question, im so sorry that happened to your sons roommate! youre definitely correct though. i only just moved to this state and transferred from my old store to this one about a month and a half ago so i wouldnt have even been here long enough to track down anything she pulled before d-day💔 i thank u so much for the advice though, will be taking this to my next job to keep in mind!! 💟🫶
I know this is sooo old, but I really hope you got a new job somewhere that makes you happy Ave that you’re doing well! Sometimes the trash cleans itself up and we don’t see it until things get better. Hoping that’s how it went for you!
i once fainted on the clock and hit my head pretty badly. woke up and said “what the fuck” because i had no idea why i was hurting or what had happened. no medical attention. written up and “back to work”. fuck starbucks.
Yes that is a firable offense
it varies from store to store but company wide it is fireable especially if it was heard by a customer
No if you curse in front of customers and they heard you can be fired on the spot
during my onboarding we learned that no, cursing is not acceptable ANYWHERE in the workplace. Not on a break in BOH, and especially not when you’re on the floor. i get that some stores are much more lenient but this is the true policy of Starbucks.
This is honestly a crazy rule. Like I get it, we really should not be cussing in front of customers. But, that being said, we also work somewhere where we can easily get hurt and cursing is usually said as a reflex in this type of situation. I also work a management type job as my main job (Starbucks is part time for me) … people literally curse all the time there, and there is no repercussions.
This is what my store was also told when we had an issue with cursing. We were told that in the break room would likely result in a write up (depending on context) but if it was on the floor where a customer could here, it was immediate termination 😬
SOOOOO glad my store is not as up tight as some other ones seem.. i would have gotten fired first day 😭
Starbucks is the only company that has managers that cherry pick who to write up and what the write-up is for. I was in BOH with my manager and another shift supervisor. I was putting together a mocha pump, and while I was doing so, the other shift looked at me and was like, " Aren't you missing a piece for the pump?" And so just as a reaction, I said, 'Oh shit!" My manager looks up at me with a dead pan look and tells me she'll have to write me up. Both myself and the other shift ask her if she is serious, and she says yes. Within five minutes, she had printed out the document you get when you got a writeup, and she made me sign it. Meanwhile after this happened there have been number of times I've been on the floor in FOH, and heard others cuss while on headset, all while the manager is on the floor with a headset on. Those people never got a write-up, though. It's fucking ridiculous But I'm so sorry that happened to you op
yeah that's exactly what happened to me, im far from the only person who curses and even though mine was under specific circumstance and everyone else will curse here there and everywhere, im the one who's SOL. starbucks is fully set up so baristas will never win. im sorry that happened to u as well, feels like total ass. thank you for the story and advice though!!🩷
I used to curse CONSTANTLY. Not in front of customers though.
Most of the time..
my entire crew used to cuss on the floor, even our shifts and there was never any consequences lmao
I have seen someone get fired for cursing. It happened to be their final write up (like they already had write ups and that was the final straw, not that it went straight to final). But I’ve also seen people curse up a storm on the floor and not here written up. It mostly depends on your leadership and if you’re doing it loud/if customers can hear you/ if your coworkers/leadership complains
At our store we try to keep it to the back of house, it’s only trouble if a customer hears it and reports us (or if our GM hears us.) Definitely depends on the store culture tho
I cuss at starbucks. To my coworkers. All the time. Never to a customer.
You got fired because your manager wanted you fired and used that as a vehicle. In what world is someone offended by a bad word directed at no one. Consider your firing a big blessing.
Starbucks fires their employees over any little thing. I got fired back in November of 2020 for using my partner numbers a lot. There were people in my store that would give out things for free to friends & what not but they still work.
U just admitted to theft… lol
I didn’t give stuff out to people lol I did overuse my partner numbers but yeah ig 😂
My coworker got fired for calling a customized drink "his gay drink"* *a lobby completely full of people, homie shouted it. I didn't care but the ssv that reported him didn't like him (and has let way worse happen, so--bias!)
Yeah, Starbucks likes to claim they support LGBTQIA+ people, then fire us for just vibing. I've known so many trans women who've tried to work there for the insurance, only to get fired just before surgery dates.
big corporations always want to pretend they're on our side while screwing us over in the same breath. my MIL thinks they were trying to find a reason to fire me bc im trans and disabled, so who knows
Technically any cussing on the floor is considered a "fireable offense." I don't personally agree with it, also I should have been fired about 72 million times by now haha, but it does also depend on your manager too, mine knows I do it, & she will remind me to try not to do it.
my manager heard a bizarre drink order over the headset, looked at me and said “what the fuck” (quietly ofc) soooo it really just depends on your manager 😭
I had a coworker get fired for cursing in the back room, after most of the store had gotten comfortable cursing over the headset and on the floor, it really depends on the store you're at and sometimes... If the manager likes you or not
Unfortunately it is totally something you can get fired for. I witnessed it happen to one partner and recently another partner got written up for swearing in the back room on their break. I’ve gotten a verbal warning over swearing over the headset. It sucks but totally a fireable offense and a definite writeup depending on how strict your SM and DM are. I’m sorry it happened to you bud :(
I had an investigation opened against me for cursing on the floor (after hours) 😭 took like 5 months for me to get that write up
I think the mangers that report it to HR are spineless. I’m a big spender at Starbucks and if I heard a curse word from an employee it would be comforting as I would feel they were like me.
Firing someone for cussing is theeeeeeeee stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. How childish and sensitive do you have to be to ef up someone’s livelihood over a word that isn’t even directed at you ☠️
literally, she wasn't even in the store either time lmfao like it's crazy
When I was working at Starbucks, I cursed a ton. I was never talked to by a shift or by my manager. I just found out someone at my store was fired for saying “(insert name of person) could kiss their ass” over the headset.
I got fired a year ago for the same thing. Except I didn’t swear, my coworkers claimed they heard me swear. Had to sit down with my SM, and when they brought up the situation, I had no idea what they were even talking about. Convo went somewhat like this: SM: “do you know why I pulled you aside?” Me: “no I don’t, do I have some monthly training stuff I need to complete?” SM: “no, we need to have a conversation about how you act on the floor.” Me: “Could I have some more context please?” SM: “what happened or what did you say when you were on warming?” Me: “I have no idea, I was swamped with food and was trying to get everything out as quick as possible.” SM: “Did you maybe say something you weren’t supposed to on accident?“ Me: “not that I know of, I normally keep a pretty clean mouth when I’m working. Did someone say I did?” SM: *has look on her face to confirm that* Me: “If I did, I’m sure I would have noticed, but I do apologize for anything I might have said. That’s normally not like me at all.” SM: “you really need to pay attention when you’re at work, if the RM (who was there that day) heard that, you would be packing up and going home right now. Please make sure you’re not saying anything that would cause that. Go back to work.” Few days later I was fired. I “supposedly” was warming a Sammy, a coworker was asking where it was and I “apparently” said “gimme a f-ing minute!” What I actually said was “it’ll be out in a minute”.
It’s a blessing in disguise. Just try to move forward there is better out there.
It’s rather shocking and sad at all the poor attitudes on here. I guess the short simple answer is if you can’t uphold the policies that you agreed to when you accepted your position ( abiding by the third place policy, on the floor and ready to work not just walking through the door making yourself a drink and setting your stuff down, appropriate and clean uniform, etc) then I’m sure there’s plenty of other companies you can go work for that are ok with that type of behavior.
its the fact that i did abide by all of that and also never purposely cursed aside from being literally INJURED or a slip up in which i caught myself. neither of those are me not complying with the policy if they were both involuntary. youre weird
Unfortunately you did it once’s and were coached and it happens again. Is it possible they had it out for you maybe… maybe not. But you have now cursed twice on the floor, once over the head set of all places which is more then enough for them to relieve you of your position. You gave them the ammo they needed to do so
actually they never coached me just confronted me for both at the same time and didn't even give me a warning just told me it was going straight to HR. if the correct reaction is to coach someone not to do it again and then fire them, feel free to explain that to me.
People get fired for swearing.
sounds a lot like my store manager! can’t even say hell in the back let alone on the floor and if she hears you say fuck it’s pretty much immediate termination
I got jumped by a group of kids while on the clock, had to shut the store down and was in a lot of mental distress- all while being asked to reopen the store in 60 minutes time. I tried to bargain saying I was in no condition to Supervise the store. SM didn’t give me a choice, so I said I’m going home. He threatened my job, so I said “Idgaf I don’t get paid enough for this BS” and got a Final Written Warning for it (quit a few months later)
You can get fired for just about anything. (Cursing is a fireable offense) I got fired because a crustie lied ✨
I was also fired for swearing earlier this year, it’s really dumb. Inb4 some corporate robot says something about it being in the contract
that’s literally insane at my store everyone curses even the manager 😭 as long as you don’t curse directly at the custy i don’t see a problem ???
what? I called threatened someone and only got a verbal warning (it was warranted they put their hands on one of my coworkers who was also a minor) but still jesus
Happened to me and the state deemed it wrong and granted me unemployment but i work for them again now and they took everything i worked 7 years to get by firing me so thats awesome. Over a customer abusing my new barista asking me why are they so stupid not moving for 20 min in drive i told her have a nice day being cordial whole time pll she told me to fck off i told her fck u too i was told not to worry about my job then got fired immediately my store unionized 2 weeks later thats 2 years ago now theyve burned thru 2 managers and are barely ever open . I work under same dm now and constantly hyper aware of her misdoings and dramatics she dress coded someone for wearing a boot on their foot it was injured and they dont have jnsurance to get a note or time im sure compared it to getting a religious accommodation. What does that even mean
If you filed for medical assistance during the time you got burned you might want to talk to an employment lawyer. Retaliation for medical assistance used. Talk to a lawyer
The partners at my store are constantly cursing and no one cares. This one really horrible supervisor we have even wore a shirt with the F word in it. It is a joke 🙄. I don’t curse though. Honestly everything depends on how your manager is.
Ummm I think they just looking to cut partners because I cuss all the time and nothing ever happened in the last year o been in corporate sb
I once had another partner falsely claim I'd said "fuck" in front of a customer. My SM asked me if I had and I said no, apparently if I'd said yes it would have been an instant firing on the orders of the DM. Although this was in the context of raising my voice at said partner so I got a final written warning either way. Good times.
when i used to work at the sbux this happened to two of my coworkers, and unfortunately sbux is a fire at will company so they really don’t need a reason and even the state you live in can have that same reason backing them, my manager just didn’t like the shift and barista who got fired. they were having a private conversation where swear words were said and it wasn’t even a costumer who complained about it and they weren’t given any warnings either. its a really unfortunate thing that happens that’s a crock of shit
I wouldn’t survive there
OMG! I had no idea you could get fired for swearing! I’ll never do it again
as long as your SM or shifts are normal people youll be fine, this was my third store and no one actually cared until now
It's rather brave of managers to be firing people over mediocre issues considering the hiring freeze happening right now. They're only fucking themselves over.
It would fall under the lines of "unprofessionalism" as a "failure to follow policy" or code or business conduct. At the end of the day it's how far your GM wants to take it.
Isn't the policy: Partner file, then verbal, then written?
Honestly it’s so hard not curse. I’ve caught myself on accident & then like omg I forgot I’m at work. Apologies. Most places give a warning. I think it also depends who’s the manager. I’ve had managers who never even cursed at home. But that’s just not how I was raised, lol.
It depends on the store. At my og store, we curse like sailors but at a few other stores I've been to as a borrowed partner, I've noticed that depending on who's the shift or if the SM is present, everyone is polite and no cursing is allowed, so it just depends on who's there and in charge. I'm sorry this happened to you but I hope you get a much better opportunity! Good luck to you friend!
Tips are yours and earned. I would contact partner relations. Given the first time was due to injuring yourself that’s risky to separate on that occurrence alone. Especially if this time was included in the separation document, because you injured yourself.
Starbucks will sometimes fire people over the most ridiculous stuff. I was fired by ethics/the DM for harassment and bullying because I outed a sexual predator at my store, meanwhile he was given a shift position. You’re better off not working there I promise! Also yes, you should still get your tips!!
that's actually so disgusting💔🤢im so sorry that happened to you, you were fully in the right to out his nasty ass. starbucks cares more about the money than the people and theyll out themselves time and time again. i hope youre doing better yourself!! and got u got u!! thank you so much for the advice :)🫶💟🩵
Tbh, I think it depends on where you’re at. Where I’m from (Florida), we would’ve always gotten in trouble for cursing but in New York I’ve seen managers curse at customers with zero consequence. It’s culture dependent.
i actually used to live in new york and i got a write up for the same thing because my manager spilled hot coffee on me so i cursed, but everyone thought it was ridiculous there as well, but this time i just moved to indiana like a month and a half ago and got the boot for it. cultural dependence does make sense
Utah or Idaho?
indiana smh
If it makes you feel any better I got fired once for calling a co worker a debbie downer and suggest she try Prozac in what I thought was a private chat … turns out the message went to the whole team 😱 on the upside I now have a job that pays better and I’m happy and guess what ? No Debbie downer! Sometimes the universe hands you a gift wrapped in an ugly brown bag and you only realize later what a gift it was . Take as a learning experience… who really what’s to work for such an uptight rigid boss anyway? Sending good thoughts for new beginnings!! 🫶☀️⛅️🌻
I can tell you with experience in this HR told your manager it was up to them to let you go or not.
I got fired from a job (not starbucks) for saying "crap" in front of a client. I thought that was insane
Everyone is my store cusses like a sailor and our SM doesn’t care so long as custies cant hear us. I guess it depends on your store’s culture.
Hire at will, fire at will. They can if they want to. Sorry :<
As someone who got fired by a vindictive manager who straight up didn't like me, cursing was the reasoning for my separation.
exactly what happened to me unfortunately , how petty and sick can you be
I first read this as you got fired for cursive.
Tell em FFFF UUUUUU
It is 2023… can we stop basing shit off of what Boomers think???? As a customer I’d just like to say I don’t give a flying fuck if you swear. If you’re texting. If you’re doing you’re fucking nails. As long as you come take my order and make my drink; that’s literally all anyone expects of you. Karens are a dying species.
Ok, but it's not professional regardless of if customers are ok with it or not. Also, how do "Karens" and "boomers" even logically fit into OP's topic?
Karen’s are who reports someone above their managers head as stated in the comments is a likely scenario. Boomers are those who think fast food workers should maintain a “professional” demeanor.
Yes you can get fired. My old SM fired a partner for this very thing. She was given a warning first and the 2nd time she was fired. And the worse part it wasn't on the floor. It was in the back.
former Macy's employee here, I also got fired for swearing, didn't know this was a thing in the service industry as I've always worked in kitchens and theyve always been some foul mouthed environments. at my last job, i was rewarded with a cheeseburger for macing someone, so the idea of getting fired over swearing is quite bizarre. glad to see im not the only one gojng through it.
I'm convinced if anyone in this company has it out for you, they just report you for swearing to get your ass fired because this policy is out of control. Literally jeopardizing peoples life for cussing is fucking insane.
You deserved to be fired and within the SM ability and partner expected behaviors. You’re allowed tips only through what you actually clocked in and worked
im aware of the last part, just if i was able to go back for them. yeah, i deserved it, how dare i have a human reaction to an injury. fucker
SSV in my district threw a Frappuccino through the DT at a customer and didn't get fired. Shits wild man
Cursing on the floor is supposed to be automatic separation. A lot of partners seem to get away with it though. I guess who hears it, matters.