Starbucks fined for firing dwarf Texas barista

[Ranzo]

Elsa Sallard wanted to work as a Starbucks barista, but she asked for a stepstool, the better to be able to serve customers in El Paso. But managers fired her, saying she would be a danger to customers and other employees, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the federal EEOC says.

Read more: http://blogs.star-telegram.com/crime_time/2011/08/starbucks-fined-for-firing-dwarf-texas-barista.html#ixzz1Vcvy9gac




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I can imagine all kinds of confusion or hijinks when ordering tall or short coffees in this shop. But still, why would mgt fire an employee for asking for a stool? Did they not anticipate the needed accommodations when they brought her on board.? Somehow I have to think there is something missing from this story.

[Joshmvii]

I guess it's possible the peon hourly supervisor didn't know about ADA regulations. That could be a costly mistake.

[casmith07]

That's going to be an epic case for the woman involved. And for the employer.

My guess? They'll settle out of court.

[tupperware]

Good, I can't stand overpriced coffee places and the logic that makes people buy them.

[CowboyMcCoy]

Good, I can't stand overpriced coffee places and the logic that makes people buy them.

I go to coffee shops often, but rarely Starbucks. It's a good place to stop and relax with laptop or a newspaper. But I try to support various, local shops.

[tupperware]

I go to coffee shops often, but rarely Starbucks. It's a good place to stop and relax with laptop or a newspaper. But I try to support various, local shops.
I'm probably bitter by a bad past experience, but yeah.

[viman96]

That's going to be an epic case for the woman involved. And for the employer.

My guess? They'll settle out of court.

From the article.

Starbucks' quick agreement to pay Sallard $75,000 and to train all El Paso Starbucks managers on ADA requirements won praise from the federal agency, though.

[CowboyMcCoy]

I'm probably bitter by a bad past experience, but yeah.

I drink tea now anyway. I quit coffee. But I still like to go. Sometimes I take my dog to and sit outside while I read. But it's been really hot so we go in the evenings. I'm lucky to live somewhere where there are options other than Starbucks though. I still know I'm getting ripped off. A cup of coffee from the store isn't much at all. But you pay environment and wi-fi, I guess.