Fort Worth Starbucks employees protest health insurance costs [Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Texas]

Dec. 19--FORT WORTH -- Banner-carrying employees of a Starbucks in Fort Worth's Medical District blocked the drive-through window Friday in support of demands for cheaper health insurance and paid sick leave for swine flu, the union said.

The local Starbucks Workers Union said the Seattle-based company, known for providing health insurance for even part-time employees, nearly doubled premiums in September. That put the cost beyond the means of some workers, according to a statement.

The company said about five or six workers handed in a petition during the labor action at the store at West Rosedale and Eighth avenues. Service was not disrupted, Starbucks spokeswoman Stacey Krum said.

"We've had enough," the union news release quoted barista Michelle Cahill as saying. "Baristas should not be forced to expose customers to H1N1 or other contagions and stay sick longer, just in order to be able to make the money they need to support their families and pay astronomical healthcare costs. We're making $7.30 an hour, a nickel above minimum wage."

Employees showing any symptoms of swine flu are sent home, but as part-time employees they would receive no paid sick leave, Krum said. The union statement asserted that ill employees are pressured to work.

"While we need to look into some of the issues raised, others are either mistaken or exaggerated," Krum said.

BARRY SHLACHTER, 817-390-7718

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