By: Richard L. Smith
Starbucks is facing state action after being accused of violating New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination by failing to provide a private space for a barista to pump breast milk at work, according to a statement released by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division on Civil Rights (DCR).
The investigation began after a Sicklerville barista filed a complaint, saying she was only offered a cloth privacy screen in a busy back room instead of a secure, private space.
She said co-workers frequently walked in and bumped the screen, making it unsafe and uncomfortable.
When she raised concerns, management told her she could either use the screen or extend her leave.
She ultimately took nearly two months of unpaid leave because no proper accommodation was provided.
DCR found probable cause that Starbucks failed to provide reasonable accommodations and did not engage in a good-faith process to find a solution, as required under the state’s Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
The case will now move to conciliation, where both parties can seek a resolution.
If no agreement is reached, it could be prosecuted in court.