Starbucks Corp.

A tentative class action lawsuit alleges that Starbucks Corp. violated state law by allowing shift supervisors to share in the weekly distribution of customer tips at its stores. The suit claims that supervisors are part of management and not entitled to the tips intended for counter workers or baristas. Approximately 100,000 current and former Starbucks employees who have worked at any of its 1,400 California stores since October 2000 may be involved in the potential lawsuit. Employers in the State of California are prohibited from taking tips from their employees.