Starbucks

Andrew Bailey was questioned about his lawsuit against Starbucks that claims diversity hiring initiatives have caused higher prices and longer waits. “I’m just curious if white-served coffee tastes a little bit better,” one Ferguson Democrat asked.

The lawsuit from Republican Andrew Bailey alleges that Starbucks setting goals for the representation of people of color and women in its workforce and leadership amounts to illegal discrimination.

A decision from the National Labor Relations Board found Starbucks violated labor law hundreds of times. While workers in Kansas City wait on decisions for unfair labor practice charges of their own, they say more direct action is needed.

Employees at the Taco Bell on Wornall Road staged a walkout in the middle of lunch Thursday, shutting down the store and rallying for a union and higher wages.

Workers and customers were surprised Monday when the company announced the store would close an hour and a half ahead of schedule — permanently. Employees say they were given just 15 minutes notice.

Starbucks accuses labor board officials and the union of exploiting weaknesses in the mail-in ballot system to unfairly influence a vote over unionizing a store in Overland Park, Kansas, earlier this year.

Baristas say union-busting tactics make them ineligible for travel coverage for abortions and gender-affirming care in states where those are banned.