Occupy is the fastest growing movement in the history of this country. The principal reason for this is that what we stand for touches a common thread among the vast majority of people in this country. That is a desire and strong commitment to achieve fair and equitable treatment of people everywhere.

This communication is to make known that we stand in solidarity with the common workers of every great business enterprise, including the employees of Starbucks. We understand that the long term success of any company depends a great deal on how that company treats its employees on every level.

We stand with the Baristas of Starbucks in their endeavor to achieve living wages and safe working conditions. This only makes sense not only for a company that respects other human beings, but this also makes good business sense as well.

Their is a definite pride in the Starbucks employees I personally have spoken with; however, this pride is also tinged with a certain air that conveys their fears and frustrations. This creates a work environment that hinders an employee’s sincere desire and ability to provide the customer with an optimal experience.

Starbucks owes a great deal of its initial success to paying extreme attention to the most minute details of the customer’s experience. From the carefully selected background music, decor, and products, to the scent of freshly ground coffee that permeates the circulating air. And Starbucks was one of the very first business establishments to ban smoking as a part of its marketing campaign, because of the effect smoking would have on the fresh coffee scent.

This attention to detail has proven successful in bringing in customers and growing a successful company. We ask that the company not overlook the importance that its own employees play in the customer’s experience. All employees should do their part in creating a better customer experience. This can only be made easier when the employee can earn a living wage and enjoy safe working conditions.

With much respect, we request that Starbucks consider the importance of this message, to see the benefits of striving to make better employee working conditions, to show itself, once again, that Starbucks is a strong leader as is stated in its principles to live by:

Our Neighborhood

Every store is part of a community, and we take our responsibility to be good neighbors seriously. We want to be invited in wherever we do business. We can be a force for positive action – bringing together our partners, customers, and the community to contribute every day. Now we see that our responsibility – and our potential for good – is even larger. The world is looking to Starbucks to set the new standard, yet again. We will lead.

The Starbucks Mission Statement begins with some very powerful words to live up to.

The Starbucks Mission Statement

To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.

Thank you for taking the time to read this message.

To your continued success,

Occupy Sioux Falls