Protesters supergluing themselves to Starbucks locations started a trend that has advanced since last summer.
The next phase, though, saw placard-waving protesters burrowing themselves behind concrete blocks and blocking the entry to a Nashville Starbucks.
The protesters carried posters requesting Starbucks to “stop the vegan upcharge” on plant-based milks in an effort to demonstrate how adamantly they are standing their ground.
As long as it does not interfere with our shop operations, Starbucks remarked, “We support our customers’ rights to peacefully communicate their thoughts.”
Customers may add a “splash” of plant-based milks for free, but there is a charge for adding more than a splash, according to the firm.
Depending on where you are and what kind of plant-milk you desire, the upcharge might be anywhere from 50 cents to 90 cents. Dairy milk is not subject to an additional fee.
According to the New York Post, PETA said that it will not budge from its stance and urged Starbucks to cease criticising those who are “concerned about cows.”
The demonstration comes after Sir Paul McCartney encouraged Starbucks to “stop charging for plant-based milk” in a letter.
The Beatle, according to the protesters who said he supported their actions, allegedly gave them more confidence.
On August 18, the demonstration in Nashville attracted over a dozen police vehicles and shut down a large portion of West End Avenue.
According to WSMV4, the participants were detained, and one demonstrator was transported to the hospital due to cement-related foot problems.
The Seattle-based coffee business is the target of a campaign to persuade it to cease charging more for plant-based milk.
When Daniel Bifano of Michigan refused to vacate his cement block, police detained him and charged him with disorderly conduct.
In an open letter he released with the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, McCartney criticised Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson (PETA).
McCartney said in the letter that “my pals at PETA are lobbying for this.” I strongly hope you can put this policy into effect for the sake of the environment and animal welfare.
He noted that Starbucks locations in the UK, where McCartney was born, do not charge more for milk substitutes.
In Britain, the coffee chain removed the $0.54 surcharge for beverages prepared with non-dairy milk in December.
‘Cows used for dairy are forcefully inseminated (raped)—workers put an arm into the cow’s rectum and a metal rod to transfer semen into her vagina—and their cherished calves are ripped away from them so that the milk intended to sustain their infants may be consumed by humans,’ it said.
Several Starbucks employees have lately tried to unionise.
The business has requested that the National Labor Relations Board temporarily halt all union elections at its US retail locations after accusing the government body of improperly assisting union organisers in garnering support.