Starbucks

Starbucks Litigation

On March 11, 2005, the law firm of Shellist Lazarz LLP, together with two other Houston law firms, filed suit on behalf of James Falcon, a former Assistant Store Manager, against Starbucks Corporation (“Starbucks”) for failing to pay him and Starbucks’ other Assistant Store Managers overtime wages that we believe federal law required Starbucks to pay.  The lawsuit is currently pending in Federal District Court in Houston, Texas.  You may view a copy of the most recent Complaint here.

Summary of Claims

The lawsuit claims that under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Starbucks was required to pay its Assistant Store Managers overtime wages for time worked in excess of 40 hours per work week.

On November 29, 2005, the Court certified this case as a “Collective Action” lawsuit under the FLSA, permitting the Plaintiffs to send out notice of the lawsuit to approximately 11,000 Assistant Store Managers who were employed by Starbucks between January 3, 2003 and the present, and giving those Assistant Store Managers an opportunity to join the lawsuit.  On January 4, 2006, the Court approved the form of the notice that will be mailed to all current and former Assistant Store Managers during the relevant time period.  You may view a copy of the Notice approved by the Court here.  Individuals who wish to join the lawsuit must formally do so to be entitled to recover.  If you do not join in this case, you will not receive any unpaid wages, overtime, or other relief from this case if the Plaintiffs prevail.

How to Join the Lawsuit

If you are a current or former Starbucks Assistant Store Manager, and you would like to participate in this lawsuit, complete the Consent to Become Party Plaintiff  and return it to our office via fax, e-mail, or regular mail.  Shellist Lazarz LLP must file all Consents to Become Party Plaintiff with the Court no later than April 3, 2006.   Should you have questions about how the lawsuit may affect you or whether you qualify to join this lawsuit, please contact us and a lawyer from our firm will respond promptly.

Can Starbucks Retaliate Against Me?

The Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) prohibits Starbucks from retaliating against its employees and former employees who elect to participate in a legal proceeding concerning a violation of overtime laws.   If you would like more information about this lawsuit, please contact us and one of our attorneys will help you.