Settlement Secures Reinstatement of Austin Locke, Who Returns to Work Today at Astoria Starbucks, Over $21,000 in Backpay and Penalties
NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga today announced a settlement with coffee giant Starbucks over the wrongful termination of Austin Locke in violation of the “just cause” protections of New York City’s New York City’s Fair Workweek Law. Last fall, DCWP announced a lawsuit against Starbucks for illegally firing the longtime barista from one of its Astoria locations. Starbucks has now agreed to reinstate Locke to his former position at the Astoria Starbucks where he worked, pay over $21,000 in backpay and penalties, and comply with the city’s Fair Workweek Law going forward.
“New York’s workers should know that we will always fight to protect their rights” said Mayor Adams. “Thanks to the efforts of our administration, Austin Locke will be returning to his job today at Starbucks — and with thousands of dollars in backpay in his pocket. We will not stand by when an employee is unlawfully terminated, and I commend DCWP for its quick work in this case.”
“Our city’s equitable economic recovery depends on our ability to protect workers across the five boroughs,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “The administration is proud to have secured Mr. Locke’s reinstatement, and we will continue to be...
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