Multiple billion dollar companies are facing scrutiny due to their opinions and ideas on the current Israeli-Humas war. Starbucks is currently suing its union-Starbucks Workers United- because of a tweet the union posted expressing solidarity with Palestine. Starbucks posted a statement on their companies websites responding to the union’s tweet “We strongly disagree with the views expressed by Workers United, including its local affiliates, union organizers and those who identify as members of ‘Starbucks Workers United’ Due to Starbucks stance on the ongoing war many individuals have been boycotting Starbucks. The hashtag #boycott Starbucks has been used over 7,000 times in TikTok over the last 30 days with a combined 51 million views.
The current lawsuit on the union workers is due to trademark infringement, demanding the union to stop using the Starbucks name and logos associated with it. The lawsuit stated “customers [were] misled and confused over the source or endorsement”. This is due to Starbuck union workers wearing pro-Palestine shirts with Starbucks logos and colors. Starbucks claims that they have received damage to Starbucks businesses and Reputation due to the union’s message and has received more that 1000 complaints. The lawsuit claims ““inflammatory and misleading communications have led, among other things, to property damage, threats and calls for a boycott against Starbucks.” Due to all the controversy currently being faced by Starbucks the company has lost $11 billion in value and shares have decreased 8.96 percent according to Newsweek.
Although Starbucks does legally have a right when it comes to protecting their trademarks, it is wrong for them to shut down their employees feelings and opinions. It is the right of every individual living in the United States to express their opinions on current news and Starbucks is silencing those individuals. Starbucks doesn’t necessarily have to agree with thies employees’ thoughts but they do have to allow them to express themselves without the fear of being fired or sued.
Picture Source: Christopher Sadowski
References:
https://www.newsweek.com/starbucks-market-loss-boycotts-strikes-red-cup-day-1849713
https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/social-media-fuels-boycotts-mcdonalds-starbucks-israel-hamas-war-rcna125121
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