Is Starbucks blaming the victim?

SuperFemme · 01-22-2010, 01:53 PM

16-Year-Old Starbucks Barista Sues Over 'Sex Demands' at Work

An "alarmingly high" number of high school students are reporting sexual advances from their adult bosses and other supervisors at some of the country's best known fast food operations, according to an official of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

"It's an incredibly serious problem," said Bill Cash of the EEOC in an interview to be broadcast tonight on the ABC News program "20/20."
"Employers that choose to use high school kids to work have a responsibility to protect these young people," Cash said. "We don't want them to be fondled, we don't want them to be raped."
Watch "20/20" tonight at 10 p.m. for the full report.

The issue is being raised in a number of lawsuits, including cases now pending in California against Starbucks and a McDonald's franchise owner.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.

Kati Moore of Orange County, CA claims a 24-year old supervisor at Starbucks made almost daily demands on her for sex, months after she began working as a 16-year old barista.

I felt like I didn't have a choice," Moore, now 20, told ABC News."I was ashamed and embarrassed. And I felt like he had complete control over my job... he knew all this stuff about my family and my friends and my school."

She says the supervisor would summon her for sex in hundreds of text messages, including one that said, "I'd liked to f--- tomorrow."
"It was an everyday, numerous times a day occurrence," Moore said. "And I just saw it and did what I had to do."

She says other Starbucks supervisors and managers knew what was happening but did nothing to stop the illicit relationship.

After the young woman's mother learned of the relationship, she alerted prosecutors who brought criminal charges against the Starbucks employee, Tim Horton. After claiming he did not know the barista was 16 years-old, Horton pleaded guilty to a felony charge of illegal sex with a minor and served four months in prison.

The family has sued Starbucks claiming the company failed in its responsibility to protect the young woman from Horton.

Starbucks executives declined to be interviewed but in a statement the company said, "These two employees concealed their relationship from Starbucks, which violated company policy. We are confident that the case will ultimately be resolved in finding that Starbucks is not at fault."

Starbucks Statement

Apocalipstic · 01-22-2010, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperFemme

16-Year-Old Starbucks Barista Sues Over 'Sex Demands' at Work

An "alarmingly high" number of high school students are reporting sexual advances from their adult bosses and other supervisors at some of the country's best known fast food operations, according to an official of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

"It's an incredibly serious problem," said Bill Cash of the EEOC in an interview to be broadcast tonight on the ABC News program "20/20."
"Employers that choose to use high school kids to work have a responsibility to protect these young people," Cash said. "We don't want them to be fondled, we don't want them to be raped."
Watch "20/20" tonight at 10 p.m. for the full report.

The issue is being raised in a number of lawsuits, including cases now pending in California against Starbucks and a McDonald's franchise owner.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.

Kati Moore of Orange County, CA claims a 24-year old supervisor at Starbucks made almost daily demands on her for sex, months after she began working as a 16-year old barista.

I felt like I didn't have a choice," Moore, now 20, told ABC News."I was ashamed and embarrassed. And I felt like he had complete control over my job... he knew all this stuff about my family and my friends and my school."

She says the supervisor would summon her for sex in hundreds of text messages, including one that said, "I'd liked to f--- tomorrow."
"It was an everyday, numerous times a day occurrence," Moore said. "And I just saw it and did what I had to do."

She says other Starbucks supervisors and managers knew what was happening but did nothing to stop the illicit relationship.

After the young woman's mother learned of the relationship, she alerted prosecutors who brought criminal charges against the Starbucks employee, Tim Horton. After claiming he did not know the barista was 16 years-old, Horton pleaded guilty to a felony charge of illegal sex with a minor and served four months in prison.

The family has sued Starbucks claiming the company failed in its responsibility to protect the young woman from Horton.

Starbucks executives declined to be interviewed but in a statement the company said, "These two employees concealed their relationship from Starbucks, which violated company policy. We are confident that the case will ultimately be resolved in finding that Starbucks is not at fault."

Starbucks Statement

I am really glad times have changed since we were teenagers and people now care about this sexual harrassment and abuse. No one did 30 years ago it seems.

I do wish there were more of an effort to let young girls know that they don't have to participate and that unless they are homeless or responsible for their own upkeep, it is not the end of the world if they have to quit jobs or turn their managers in.

Maybe as more cases like this are prosecuted, this type of thing will stop or at least lessen.

PS. adds and to young guys too, it happens all the time. One of my friend's son is a checker at a grocery store and so many of the women who shop there hit on him and say disgustimg things to him and he is just a kid. One just buys giant cucumbers and lube. He has started calling his manager when she comes in to check her out.

SuperFemme · 01-22-2010, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apocalipstic

I am really glad times have changed since we were teenagers and people now care about this sexual harrassment and abuse. No one did 30 years ago it seems.

I do wish there were more of an effort to let young girls know that they don't have to participate and that unless they are homeless or responsible for their own upkeep, it is not the end of the world if they have to quit jobs or turn their managers in.

Maybe as more cases like this are prosecuted, this type of thing will stop or at least lessen.

I agree. None of the fast food or beverage chains have training related to teen employee's and sexual harassment.

On Good Morning America they played excerpts of tonights upcoming 20/20 and the Starbucks atty.'s were grilling this girl. They asked her if she had sex before working there, and she had. Therefore, they end up implying she got what she asked for.

My latte was kind of bitter this morning.

suebee · 01-22-2010, 02:21 PM

"Tim Horton"? You have GOT to be kidding!

SuperFemme · 01-22-2010, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cybersuebee

"Tim Horton"? You have GOT to be kidding!

I don't get it.

suebee · 01-22-2010, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperFemme

I don't get it.

"Tim Horton's" is the largest coffee/doughnut franchise in . Peach works for them. So this is a real story?

SuperFemme · 01-22-2010, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cybersuebee

"Tim Horton's" is the largest coffee/doughnut franchise in . Peach works for them. So this is a real story?

Yes it is. Try clicking the links in the story for more.

Linus · 01-22-2010, 02:32 PM

It is a real story. Horton is still a common family name and they may or may not be aware of the famous franchise to the north (given it's in California).

I do think that the corporation should have taken a way different stance on this given that she is stating that she was NOT interested or involved with supervisor. Their message is suggesting, IMO, that even if you were forced to participate (at fear of losing job, friends, etc.) then you were "agreeing". And that, plain and simple, is wrong. I hope they get their asses served on a platter.

SuperFemme · 01-22-2010, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linus

It is a real story. Horton is still a common family name and they may or may not be aware of the famous franchise to the north (given it's in California).

I do think that the corporation should have taken a way different stance on this given that she is stating that she was NOT interested or involved with supervisor. Their message is suggesting, IMO, that even if you were forced to participate (at fear of losing job, friends, etc.) then you were "agreeing". And that, plain and simple, is wrong. I hope they get their asses served on a platter.

That is what my line of thinking is too Linus.

If you watch the video where they ask if she had sex BEFORE working there. With Anyone. It is an intentional attempt to smear her name/character. I was waiting for them to accuse her of wearing that green apron in a suggestive manner....

Good Lord!

Apocalipstic · 01-22-2010, 02:37 PM

I have any though of blaming the victim, she is 16 legally a child.

Though, in the case of a 24 year old supervisor, the companies need to have training so they (the supervirors) know what is an is not acceptable and legal with no question.

suebee · 01-22-2010, 02:38 PM

The suits at Starbucks sure do have a funny definition of what a "relationship" is. I wonder if they'd consider it a "relationship" if one of their daughters was involved in a similar situation?

Andrew, Jr. · 01-22-2010, 03:26 PM

Cybersuebee,

I was thinking the same exact thing.

NJFemmie · 01-22-2010, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linus

It is a real story. Horton is still a common family name and they may or may not be aware of the famous franchise to the north (given it's in California).

I do think that the corporation should have taken a way different stance on this given that she is stating that she was NOT interested or involved with supervisor. Their message is suggesting, IMO, that even if you were forced to participate (at fear of losing job, friends, etc.) then you were "agreeing". And that, plain and simple, is wrong. I hope they get their asses served on a platter.

This is ridiculous on Starbuck's part because this describes quid pro quo
which is against the law. They would know this if they engaged in PROPER workplace violence/sexual harassment training. (Not just handing an employee a piece of paper at the time of employment that states what not to do and hope the employee READS it, let alone doesn't do it).

SuperFemme · 01-22-2010, 03:47 PM

What strikes me most as the mother of two teenage daughters is that there is NO specific training regarding underage employees. One daughter works at Wal-Mart and I am sure I don't have to go into the horrors of just being an employee there. I would hate for somebody in management (because management is mostly men) to pressure my kid. I will be sitting down with both of them for a chat.

morningstar55 · 01-22-2010, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cybersuebee

"Tim Horton's" is the largest coffee/doughnut franchise in . Peach works for them. So this is a real story?

HAHA.......... my thoughts exactly...... lol
they have tim hortons.... in up state /western NY , upper Pa. Ohio..... as well.
I LOVE there coffee....
its just ahh to wierd this guy has that name..... and managed a .. lol starbucks

suebee · 01-22-2010, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morningstar55

HAHA.......... my thoughts exactly...... lol
they have tim hortons.... in up state /western NY , upper Pa. Ohio..... as well.
I LOVE there coffee....
its just ahh to wierd this guy has that name..... and managed a .. lol starbucks

Whew! I'm glad I'm not alone. Not in anyway wanting to detract from the seriousness of the topic of the thread, but if the guy's name had have been Duncan Donuts.....

apretty · 01-22-2010, 06:35 PM

starbucks is the devil, i just knew it!

SuperFemme · 01-22-2010, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apretty

starbucks is the devil, i just knew it!

Right? Now I have to find a new coffee. Dammit.

suebee · 01-22-2010, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperFemme

Right? Now I have to find a new coffee. Dammit.

Might I suggest Tim Hortons?

SuperFemme · 01-22-2010, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cybersuebee

Might I suggest Tim Hortons?

Well. They don't have that here. I live in a rural community, so there is Starbucks and I think a family owned place that never seems to be open.

If I ever live somewhere or travel somewhere I have already made a promise to myself to try the Horton place. Their donuts fascinate me.

01-22-2010, 01:53 PM	#1
SuperFemme Timed Out How Do You Identify?: Permanently Banned 10/24/2010 Preferred Pronoun?: She. Relationship Status: Married (one of 18,000) Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Atascadero, CA Posts: 4,933 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,309 Thanked 7,108 Times in 2,327 Posts Rep Power: 0	Is Starbucks blaming the victim? 16-Year-Old Starbucks Barista Sues Over 'Sex Demands' at Work An "alarmingly high" number of high school students are reporting sexual advances from their adult bosses and other supervisors at some of the country's best known fast food operations, according to an official of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. "It's an incredibly serious problem," said Bill Cash of the EEOC in an interview to be broadcast tonight on the ABC News program "20/20." "Employers that choose to use high school kids to work have a responsibility to protect these young people," Cash said. "We don't want them to be fondled, we don't want them to be raped." Watch "20/20" tonight at 10 p.m. for the full report. The issue is being raised in a number of lawsuits, including cases now pending in California against Starbucks and a McDonald's franchise owner. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE. Kati Moore of Orange County, CA claims a 24-year old supervisor at Starbucks made almost daily demands on her for sex, months after she began working as a 16-year old barista. I felt like I didn't have a choice," Moore, now 20, told ABC News."I was ashamed and embarrassed. And I felt like he had complete control over my job... he knew all this stuff about my family and my friends and my school." She says the supervisor would summon her for sex in hundreds of text messages, including one that said, "I'd liked to f--- tomorrow." "It was an everyday, numerous times a day occurrence," Moore said. "And I just saw it and did what I had to do." She says other Starbucks supervisors and managers knew what was happening but did nothing to stop the illicit relationship. After the young woman's mother learned of the relationship, she alerted prosecutors who brought criminal charges against the Starbucks employee, Tim Horton. After claiming he did not know the barista was 16 years-old, Horton pleaded guilty to a felony charge of illegal sex with a minor and served four months in prison. The family has sued Starbucks claiming the company failed in its responsibility to protect the young woman from Horton. Starbucks executives declined to be interviewed but in a statement the company said, "These two employees concealed their relationship from Starbucks, which violated company policy. We are confident that the case will ultimately be resolved in finding that Starbucks is not at fault." Starbucks Statement

01-22-2010, 02:21 PM	#4
suebee Member How Do You Identify?: TOWANDA! Preferred Pronoun?: Queen Bee Relationship Status: Good 'n married. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Eastern Canada. But if I make a wrong turn at the lights I get stopped by a border guard. Posts: 1,499 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,355 Thanked 2,759 Times in 820 Posts Rep Power: 16450092	*"Tim Horton"? You have GOT to be kidding!* __________________ "Compassion, in which all ethics must take root, can only attain its full breadth and depth if it embraces all living creatures and does not limit itself to mankind." -Albert Schweitzer

01-22-2010, 02:32 PM	#8
Linus The Planet's Technical Bubba How Do You Identify?: FTM Preferred Pronoun?: He/Him/Geek Relationship Status: Married to my forever! Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Posts: 5,440 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,929 Thanked 10,729 Times in 3,172 Posts Rep Power: 21474857	It is a real story. Horton is still a common family name and they may or may not be aware of the famous franchise to the north (given it's in California). I do think that the corporation should have taken a way different stance on this given that she is stating that she was NOT interested or involved with supervisor. Their message is suggesting, IMO, that even if you were forced to participate (at fear of losing job, friends, etc.) then you were "agreeing". And that, plain and simple, is wrong. I hope they get their asses served on a platter. __________________ Personal Blog \|\| [] \|\| Cigar Blog "We become Human Doings instead of Human Beings." -- Ram Dass

01-22-2010, 02:37 PM	#10
Apocalipstic Pink Confection How Do You Identify?: Femme Preferred Pronoun?: She, Her, Ma'am Relationship Status: Dating Myself Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Nashville Posts: 4,266 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 17,195 Thanked 11,363 Times in 2,838 Posts Rep Power: 21474856	I have any though of blaming the victim, she is 16 legally a child. Though, in the case of a 24 year old supervisor, the companies need to have training so they (the supervirors) know what is an is not acceptable and legal with no question. __________________

01-22-2010, 02:38 PM	#11
suebee Member How Do You Identify?: TOWANDA! Preferred Pronoun?: Queen Bee Relationship Status: Good 'n married. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Eastern Canada. But if I make a wrong turn at the lights I get stopped by a border guard. Posts: 1,499 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,355 Thanked 2,759 Times in 820 Posts Rep Power: 16450092	*The suits at Starbucks sure do have a funny definition of what a "relationship" is. I wonder if they'd consider it a "relationship" if one of their daughters was involved in a similar situation?* __________________ "Compassion, in which all ethics must take root, can only attain its full breadth and depth if it embraces all living creatures and does not limit itself to mankind." -Albert Schweitzer

01-22-2010, 03:26 PM	#12
Andrew, Jr. Timed Out How Do You Identify?: Me Preferred Pronoun?: He Relationship Status: Unavailable Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Over the Rainbow in a House Posts: 5,072 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 16,004 Thanked 5,250 Times in 2,217 Posts Rep Power: 0	Cybersuebee, I was thinking the same exact thing.

01-22-2010, 03:47 PM	#14
SuperFemme Timed Out How Do You Identify?: Permanently Banned 10/24/2010 Preferred Pronoun?: She. Relationship Status: Married (one of 18,000) Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Atascadero, CA Posts: 4,933 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,309 Thanked 7,108 Times in 2,327 Posts Rep Power: 0	What strikes me most as the mother of two teenage daughters is that there is NO specific training regarding underage employees. One daughter works at Wal-Mart and I am sure I don't have to go into the horrors of just being an employee there. I would hate for somebody in management (because management is mostly men) to pressure my kid. I will be sitting down with both of them for a chat.

01-22-2010, 06:35 PM	#17
apretty Senior Member How Do You Identify?: femme Preferred Pronoun?: sea shell Relationship Status: married Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: san diego Posts: 1,687 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 1,927 Thanked 4,373 Times in 1,012 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	starbucks is the devil, i just knew it!