Starbucks on Wednesday announced it is raising its pay for U.S. employees and making other changes in investing in its partners.
The Seattle-based coffee giant said all U.S. employees with be earning a minimum of $15 — up to $23 — per hour by next Summer. By late January, partners with two or more years of service could receive up to a 5% raise and partners with five or more years could receive up to a 10% raise.
The company is also investing in store partner training, including a complete redesign of the company’s “Barista Basics” guide and improving behind-the-bar floor design and equipment, including testing a Cold Beverage Station in select stores around the country.
In a letter to all U.S. partners, Rossann Williams, Starbucks executive vice president, president North America, emphasized the company’s continued commitment to listen, learn together, and deliver real, measurable value to partners, customers and shareholders.
“Our founder Howard Schultz believed in the dignity of the human experience, in building a successful company, and that our success should always be shared,” said Williams. “These new investments show the continued commitment we all have to creating the best opportunities and experience for our partners.”