Starbucks' sterling reputation of social responsibility has been threatened by a new case brought forward by the National Labor Relations Board charging the company with harassment and intimidation of pro-union employees at its New York City outlets. The Industrial Workers of the World, which has fought an uphill battle in trying to unionize the giant coffee chain, consolidated a list of 30 grievances into a single NLRB case, including unfair dismissal, halting union-related discussions, and stopping employees from wearing union badges.
See "Starbucks reputation on line in court case", John Sterlicchi, Guardian Unlimited (UK), June 6, 2007