Starbucks pleased with NY ruling on barista tips
Starbucks pleased with NY ruling baristas don't have to share tips with assistant managers
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- A Starbucks Corp. spokeswoman says the coffee house company is pleased New York's top court has agreed baristas don't have to share their tips with assistant managers.
Spokeswoman Jaime (JAY'-mee) Riley says Starbucks believes customers should be able to directly reward their baristas and shift supervisors who also serve patrons.
The Court of Appeals found that shift supervisors do much of the same work as the coffee servers and therefore get to share in the tips. The court also ruled that the company can deny those tips to assistant managers who work full time, receive some benefits and are eligible for bonuses.
Hospitality industry groups say the state court decision will be felt far beyond shops owned by the Seattle-based Starbucks.
