Starbucks on Wednesday launched a $10 million global relief fund to support employees “facing extreme hardship” because of the coronavirus.
The Starbucks Global Partner Emergency Relief Fund provides one-time grants to workers at both company-operated and international licensed units.
The money will go to support funds in the U.S. and Europe and will create a system for international Starbucks operations to set up their own funds, with the Seattle-based company making an initial contribution.
Grants can be used to help with housing and utilities, sudden loss of housing, death of a family member, funeral expenses and other emergencies.
“As we navigate this global crisis, we never lose sight of the well-being of our [employees],” Lucy Helm, chief partner officer for Starbucks, said in a statement. “During this very difficult time, we believe it is our responsibility to create additional support of [employees] facing unexpected financial hardship wherever they are.”
Last month, Starbucks said it would pay workers an additional $3 an hour through April 19.
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