Last Wednesday, US coffee chain Starbucks announced that employees of the company aren’t required to be vaccinated against Covid-19. This announcement riled up many, causing the company to face severe criticism and calls for boycott.
The subject of mandatory vaccinations for work is a controversial one in the U.S. with strong feelings on both sides of the argument, but Starbucks had been a vocal supporter of the mandate. The decision by the company came a few days after the reversal of President Joe Biden’s workplace mandate by the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS), arguing that the policy overstepped executive authority.
Today you’re very much damned if you do, damned if you don’t…
social media pundit Scott Steinberg
Not long after the announcement, the hashtag #BoycottStarbucks was trending on social media, where many went to express their disapproval of the decision. The hashtag became one of the top trending topics on Wednesday afternoon. Some swore to not go to Starbucks again, but others supported the company’s decision.
Previously, Starbucks was putting in place the company’s rule for vaccines — employees had to be fully vaccinated by February 9th, or opt for weekly testing. Even though the mandate has been revoked, Starbucks is still encouraging its employees to be vaccinated and also boosted. :
I want to emphasize that we continue to believe strongly in the spirit and intent of the mandate. Thank you to the more than 90 percent of partners who have already disclosed their vaccination status, and to the vast majority who are now fully vaccinated.
Starbucks Chief Operating Officer John Culver
Even though the announcement caused a big commotion, this decision made by the company might not affect the business as much. According to brand marketing expert and social media pundit Scott Steinberg, regardless of the decision, people on both sides will be vocal about the matter. He also stated:
“Today you’re very much damned if you do, damned if you don’t… As long as we stay this divided, from the corporate standpoint, companies will continue to risk alienating a segment of the market.”
