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Starbucks manager awarded $26 million after being fired for being white

Starbucks manager awarded $26 million after being fired for being white

A former Starbucks manager has won a $26 million lawsuit against the coffee giant after claiming she was fired for being white.

Shannon Phillips, who worked for Starbucks for 13 years, sued the company in 2018 for wrongful termination and racial discrimination.

She alleged that she was fired after a video of two black men being arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks went viral and sparked protests.

Phillips said she was told to discipline a white district manager for allegedly discriminating against black employees, but she refused because she believed there was no evidence of bias.

She also said she was targeted because she had complained about a black district manager who had made derogatory comments about white employees.

Phillips said she was fired a month after the incident without any explanation or severance pay.

A jury in New Jersey agreed with her claims and awarded her $26 million in damages on Wednesday.

The verdict included $14 million for lost wages and benefits, $10 million for emotional distress and $2 million for punitive damages.

Phillips said she was “thrilled” with the outcome and hoped it would send a message to Starbucks and other employers.

“I hope that this verdict will make them rethink how they treat their employees and how they handle these situations in the future,” she said.

Starbucks said it was “disappointed” with the verdict and planned to appeal.

“We believe Ms. Phillips was treated fairly and respectfully during her employment at Starbucks,” a spokesperson said.

“We do not tolerate discrimination or retaliation of any kind and we have policies and procedures in place to ensure a fair and respectful workplace for all our partners.”

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