Former Starbucks Executive Files Lawsuit Alleging Wrongful Termination After She Raised Safety Concerns
A former Starbucks executive is suing the coffee giant, alleging she was fired after raising serious safety and financial concerns about a new proprietary equipment system the company touted to investors as a game…
A former Starbucks executive is suing the coffee giant, alleging she was fired after raising serious safety and financial concerns about a new proprietary equipment system the company touted to investors as a game changer.
Janice Waszak, a longtime Starbucks executive, filed a lawsuit accusing the company of wrongful termination and sex discrimination. According to the complaint, Waszak was pushed out after warning leadership about defects in the company’s Siren System, a new in-store equipment platform Starbucks publicly promoted in 2022 as a major driver of productivity, revenue growth, and profit expansion.
Starbucks has forcefully rejected the allegations, calling them “entirely without merit.”
According to the lawsuit, Starbucks told investors the Siren System would streamline operations and significantly boost store efficiency. But Waszak claims internal testing revealed a far different reality. She alleges the system suffered from multiple defects that created health and safety risks for both customers and employees, while also raising red flags about long-term profitability.
The suit claims Waszak came to believe the Siren System “might never be profitable” and could instead lead to major financial losses for the company. She further alleges she was terminated in retaliation for raising concerns about what she described as misleading statements to investors regarding the system’s safety and economic viability.
Waszak also accuses Starbucks of sex discrimination, claiming she was fired for alleged interpersonal behavior issues while male employees accused of similar conduct were not terminated.
Starbucks disputes that account. In a statement, the company said safety is a top priority and insisted Waszak was separated from the company only after an internal investigation found her conduct violated workplace policies. Starbucks said it plans to present evidence in court.
The lawsuit details a particularly alarming incident during a live demonstration of the Siren System in October 2022 at Starbucks’ Tryer Center. According to court filings, maggots fell from an overhead milk dispenser onto the counter and beverages during the demo, which was attended by district managers and regional directors. The suit alleges baristas discreetly flicked the maggots away to avoid drawing attention.