weight, is likely to jeopardize a worker’s health or safety
• Worker housing, where provided, meets the same standards for health and safety as the workplace
• Adequate lighting, ventilation, heating and clean toilet facilities in all work areas
• Doors and other exits are well marked, unobstructed and unlocked from the inside during all
working hours for orderly evacuation in case of fire or other emergencies
• All main exit doors allow workers to clear the building
• Evacuation drills are conducted at least annually
• Maintain written standards for a safe and healthy work environment and the prevention of accidents
and injuries to workers
Worker Treatment and Rights
Starbucks recognizes that cultural differences exist and different standards apply in various
countries. We do, however, believe that all terms and conditions of employment should be based
on an individual’s ability to do the job, not on the basis of personal characteristics or beliefs.
Suppliers shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual
orientation, religion, disability, age, parental status, pregnancy, or other similar factors in hiring
practices or any other term or condition of work, including assignment of work, occupational training,
advancement, promotion, wages and other compensation, granting of social benefits, discipline or
termination. We expect our suppliers to have a commitment to basic principles of human rights.
Suppliers must treat all workers with respect and dignity. Suppliers must not use or permit corporal
punishment or any other form of physical or psychological coercion including verbal abuse and sexual
harassment. Suppliers shall implement reasonable procedures for disciplining and/or terminating
workers including maintaining appropriate documentation. Suppliers shall not use monetary fines as a
punitive disciplinary practice.
Suppliers shall have a comprehensive set of employment/personnel policies and procedures that
are fully communicated to their workforce. In addition, suppliers must foster and maintain conditions
in which workers can freely communicate grievances and expect prompt and reasonable action.
Suppliers must recognize and respect the right of workers to freedom of association and to bargain
collectively. Workers must not be subject to intimidation or harassment in the exercise of their right to
join or to refrain from joining any organization.
Suppliers will not employ any persons under the age of 15. Exceptions to this apply only to family or
small-scale businesses which do not regularly employ hired workers. If local regulations stipulate
compulsory education up to an age greater than 15, those regulations will apply during school hours.
Suppliers must observe all legal requirements for the work of minors (age 15 to 17), including, but not
limited to, those pertaining to age, hours of work, wages, minimum education and working conditions.
We encourage suppliers to support education and work-study programs, and to encourage all workers
to participate.
Starbucks will not tolerate the use of any forced or involuntary labor, either directly or indirectly,
by our suppliers, contractors or subcontractors. This includes the use of slave labor, bonded labor,