News

Starbucks settles dwarfism suit

August 21, 2011

Starbucks will pay $75,000 to a Texas woman with dwarfism who was denied a job because she required a stool during her barista training.

According to the Seattle Post-Intelliger, Elsa Sallard's request for a stool was considered by the management as dangerous for both customers and employees. She filed a lawsuit earlier this year through the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Robert Canino, an attorney at the EEOC Dallas office, said in a statement that Starbucks sent the right signal in agreeing to settle.

"The Starbucks customer environment is one that is often considered comfortable and progressive," he said. "By fostering that same environment for people behind the counter, Starbucks reinforces a positive public image."

Read more about operations management.