• 26
  • September
    2011

"At will" employment is often described by the terms: you can quit whenever you want, they can fire you for whatever they choose. While it is true that both parties are not bound by a negotiated term contract, an employer cannot actually fire an at will employee for any reason. The employee must be protected from wrongful termination based on race, age, religion, sexual orientation or participation in protected activities.

A California Starbuck's employee was recently terminated after he wrote what he considered a parody about customers and working conditions. The song gained popularity with customers and other employees alike when it was posted on YouTube, but corporate headquarters disagreed.

The young employee donned the classic Starbuck's apron and videotaped himself singing his creation, "Starbucks Rant Song." The song made sarcastic digs at the customers, stereotyping the different groups all the way from snooty customers who look down on the baristas and deadbeats who order a simple drink and try to get all the additions in for free.

While the song mostly focused criticism on the variety of customer groups, the song also related the low wages that are paid to the employees. "It's just a cup of coffee! Give me a break, I shouldn't have to put up with this - making minimum wage," say the lyrics.

After the video gained popularity and reached corporate headquarters, the employee was fired. The corporation justified the decision by saying that the song disparaged the customers and company, but it seems that customers may not agree.

Customers and YouTube comment-makers have made it clear that they want to protest the termination and asked others to start singing the words of the song next time they visit their local establishment. The employee responded by writing a song explaining his true feelings, not his sarcasm, about how much he loved his job, his customers and his co-workers.

Source: examiner.com San Francisco, "Funny YouTube video made by Starbucks worker gets him fired by corporate HQ," Frank Ling, Sept. 22, 2011