Starbucks to give raises to all US store employees

Starbucks employees ridiculed, attacked after enforcing mask rule

Customers who don't wear masks are asked to use the drive-thru or wait outside for their orders.

SEATTLE - Starbucks is giving pay raises to all of its in-store U.S. employees, one of several significant investments the coffee giant has made for its workers amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

All baristas, supervisors and cafe attendants will receive an increase of at least 10%, according to a company spokesperson. Starbucks employees, which the company refers to as "partners," with three years of continuous service will receive a pay increase of at least 11%.

The raises will be implemented across the country by Dec. 14.

Additionally, the starting rates for all employees will be increased by at least 5%.

"For nearly 50 years, Starbucks has been a leader in providing relevant, industry-leading benefits and a total compensation approach that is best-in-class for both part and full-time employees," a Starbucks spokesperson said in a statement.

In March, the Seattle-based company announced it would continue to pay employees through May, even if they had chosen to stay home because they felt unsafe working during the pandemic. Starbucks i s also allowing employees to take a leave of absence through March 2021 while keeping their existing benefits, including healthcare.

A file image shows a Starbucks employee wearing a mask at a Starbucks store in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by: Jeffrey Greenberg/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Other companies have used bonuses and pay increases to attract and keep frontline workers during the ongoing pandemic.

In July, Target permanently increased its minimum wage to $15 an hour. Amazon, where starting pay is $15 an hour, is offering sign-on bonuses up to $1,000 in some cities.

Hobby Lobby also raised its minimum wage to $17 an hour for full-time employees starting in October.

This story was reported from Cincinnati.