Boost for 150,000 US employees as Starbucks’ salaries get caffeine kick
Chicago — Starbucks plans to spend $250m on new employee benefits, including a pay boost for domestic workers, in the wake of the federal tax overhaul. The coffee chain will increase pay for its 150,000 US hourly and salaried employees in April, following its regular annual raise earlier this month. It was also taking its paid sick-time benefit national, allowing workers to save up time off to use for themselves or family, Starbucks said on Wednesday. Starbucks becomes the latest US company to pledge a portion of its federal tax-cut windfall to employees, which the coffee giant calls "partners." Apple said earlier in January that it was giving most of its staff a $2,500 bonus. Wal-Mart, meanwhile, plans to hike its starting wage to $11 an hour and give out $400m in one-time bonuses. "Investing in our partners has long been our strategy," Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson said in a memo to employees. "Due to the recent changes in US tax law, we are able to accelerate some significant partn...
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