STARBUCKS COMMITMENT STATEMENT OF BELIEFS
On October 1995 U.S. coffee importer Starbucks developed the following statement of beliefs as framework for a code of conduct.
At Starbucks, we're guided by a set of simple beliefs. We start by treating each
other with respect and dignity and extend this desire for fair treatment beyond our doors into our communities. As we travel the world in search of the highest quality
coffee, it is our desire to do business with those who share similar values and abide
by international standards for the treatment of others.
Seeing profound differences in quality of life, we've committed to doing our part to
improve conditions in coffee origin countries through self-help and educational
programs. Making a real difference, however, is a long-term challenge requiring
the efforts of many. We will work with others in coffee-origin countries to achieve our aspirations and do our part to engage in effective action within the specialty coffee industry. We also believe that selecting and marketing high value coffee in itself can contribute to the economies of coffee-producing countries so that countries may improve their own quality of life.
Though our beliefs cannot be imposed upon others and these desired results
may not be achieved in the near future, they form the basis of our intentions and
are the foundation for our goals.
WE RESPECT HUMAN RICHTS AND DlGNITY
We believe that people should work because they want or need to
but not because they are forced to do so.
We believe that people have the right to freely associate with whichever
organizations or individuals they choose.
We believe that children should not be unlawfully employed as laborers.
WE ARE DEDICATED TO WORKING WITH OTHERS TO RAISE STANDARDS OF HEALTH,
EDUCATION, WORKPLACE SAFETY, AND ECONOMIC WELL-BEING LN ALL COMMUNITIES
WHERE WE DO BUSINESS
We believe that wage and benefit levels should address the basic needs of workers
and their families.
We believe that people should work in safe and healthy places that are
free from hazardous conditions.
We believe that if children work, it should not interfere with mandated education.
We believe people should have access to safe housing, clean water, and health
facilities and services.
WE BELIEVE IN THE POSITIVE VALUE OF DIVERSITY AND RESPECT THE INTEGRY OF DIFFERENT CULTURES
We believe that we should serve as a model of a successful company that promotes
diversity throughout all levels.
We believe that regardless of our differences, each human being should be accorded
the opportunity to meet his/her basic needs and that human rights and values
should be upheld and promoted.
We believe that we should respect local laws and customs.
WE BELIEVE IN PRESERVING AND ENHANCING THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
We believe in the importance of progressive environmental practices and
conservation efforts.
We believe in demonstrating leadership for environmental practices in countries in
which we do business.
We believe that hazardous materials such as chemicals and pesticides should be
used safely and responsibly, if at all.
STARBUCKS VICTORY
(U.S./Guatemala Labor Education Campaign n. 13 April 1995)
This tremendous victory was due to the work of hundreds of people around the country and especially grassroots leafletting which generated significant media coverage. Campaign supporters have been pressuring Starbucks stores since last December, when groups in the U.S. and Canada began leafletting Starbucks stores.
On February 11, four days before the stockholders' meeting, activists leafletted over 75 U.S. and Canadian stores in over 25 cities including Atlanta, Ann Arbor, Boston, Boulder, Chicago, Concord, Dallas, Denver, Eugene, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Mt. Kisco (NY), New York, Olympia, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington D.C., and, in Canada, Victoria and Vancouver.
An especially strong organizing base in Seattle led by the Seattle Coalition for Justice for Coffee Workers was critical to the success of the campaign. The Coalition leafletted the annual meeting on February 15 with a congratulatory message anticipating the formal announcement, helping ensure terrific press coverage. (The company had notified US/GLEP after 6 p.m. on February 10 that it would adopt a code, too late to postpone the February 11 events)
Other important components of the campaign besides grassroots activism significantly increased the pressure on Starbucks. To cite just a few examples, the Latin America Working Group worked closely with the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala and the Alliance for Responsible Trade to collect over 60 signatures of religious, labor and human rights groups on a letter to Starbucks; the Christian Task Force on Central America in Vancouver got two Canadian trade union organizations to write strong letters; and the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility alerted socially-responsible investors who also contacted the company.
The Starbucks decision coincides with a recent wave of land occupations by peasants in the countryside throughout Guatemala who are seeking improved working conditions, better wages, and access to land. According to the National Coordinating Committee of Indigenous and Campesinos (CONIC), there are currently 25 occupations on south coast plantations and numerous others in the highlands, many of which are focused on the demand for payment of the legal minimum wage.
US/GLEP is suspending the Starbucks campaign for as long as we' re persuaded that Starbucks is moving ahead to develop and implement an acceptable code that brings concrete benefits to Guatemalan coffee workers. Starbucks is also being excluded from a separate Guatemalan coffee boycott campaign called for by Jennifer Harbury because of that country's human rights record.
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