Starbucks reached an agreement with EEOC to settle allegations of bias in promotions
Starbucks recently announced that it brokered an agreement with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission earlier to settle allegations of bias against minority workers in its store-level promotions process. Data from 2007-2011 showed that Starbucks was not providing equal access to promotions to certain employees based on race or national origin. Starbucks denies the existence of systemic discrimination in promotions, but admits that they can “improve transparency around promotion opportunities.” Specifics of the resolution are confidential, so it is unclear whether or not a financial penalty was attached to the resolution.
Boston City Council Approved Food Cottage Law
On March 31st the Boston City Council approved of an ordinance allowing Bostonians to apply for cottage food licenses which would allow them to make and sell food from their home kitchens. The law will go into effect at the end of April and will cover non-temperature controlled foods, known as “cottage foods,” including baked goods, jams, and granola. According to City Councilor, Julia Mejia, the ordinance is intended to benefit “small, minority, and immigrant entrepreneurs who want to share their food and their culture with the community.”
