Mayor Eric Adams and the city's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga announced Monday a $38.9 million settlement with Starbucks, alleging the coffee giant "committed more than half a million violations of the law since 2021."

According to the officials, a multiyear investigation revealed violations of the city's Fair Workweek Law across more than 300 Starbucks locations in New York City. They include "illegally denying thousands of workers across more than 300 locations the right to stable and predictable schedules, as well as the right to pick up additional hours and earn more. The city alleges that Starbucks "arbitrarily cut schedules and illegally prioritized their own profits over their workers' rights."

Most employees who worked for Starbucks in an hourly position in New York City will receive $50 for each week worked from July 4, 2021 through July 7, 2024. Employees will receive a check in the mail this winter.

A Starbucks spokesperson issued a statement on the settlement to News 12:

"The NYC laws remain unchanged and complex, but our focus hasn't shifted – we're committed to creating the best job in retail. Since these claims, we've invested $500 million in improving the partner experience as part of our Back to Starbucks strategy. These investments not only ensure compliance – they make the experience better for partners in our coffeehouses. Today, more partners are getting schedules that fit their lives, making it easier to match availability and preferences while staying aligned with local laws like Fair Workweek."