(CNN) – The National Labor Relations Board said it found the former CEO of Starbucks in violation of a labor law.
The board said Howard Schultz made an unlawful, coercive threat when he reprimanded a California barista while he was interim CEO in 2022.
“If you’re not happy at Starbucks, you can go work for another company,” Schultz reportedly said.
The statement occurred at a company event addressing Starbucks’ working conditions.
The barista had attempted to bring up the benefits of unionization, according to the board.
Schultz said the event was not the place to discuss those matters before making the remark about working elsewhere.
Starbucks said it disagrees with the board’s decision.
Schultz stepped down in March 2023 after his third time serving as CEO.
He still remains tied to the company.
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