Starbucks Faces Workforce Reduction in the Middle East Amid Boycott Pressures

Starbucks’ Middle East franchisee, Alshaya Group, is facing difficulties at its coffee shops due to a tough work environment. The chain is dealing with boycotts linked to Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza, which has led to thousands of job cuts.

Alshaya Group explained to CNN that the layoffs are a result of tough trading conditions in the past six months. They expressed sadness over the decision to reduce the number of colleagues at Starbucks locations in the Middle East and Northern Africa.

The company did not provide a specific number of jobs that were cut, but Reuters initially reported that it was around 2,000 people. Alshaya did not deny this report.

"We are committed to providing our departing colleagues and their families with the necessary support. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for their dedication and hard work for Alshaya Group and the Starbucks brand," the company stated.

Alshaya, based in Kuwait, has held the rights to run Starbucks in the Middle East for over 25 years. They currently run approximately 1,300 Starbucks locations in the region, providing employment to around 11,000 individuals.

In a statement, a Starbucks representative expressed sympathy for the employees who will be departing and extended gratitude for their efforts. The spokesperson also stated that Starbucks is dedicated to collaborating with Alshaya to continue growing in this significant region.

Customers in the Middle East have been boycotting Western companies due to their perceived support or ties to Israel's war in Gaza. Starbucks, for example, saw a decrease in sales in the region, leading to lower-than-expected earnings in their most recent report.

This trend is not unique to Starbucks. McDonald's also reported a significant negative impact on their business in the Middle East because of the war. Similarly, Yum! Brands, the parent company of KFC and Pizza Hut, noted a decrease in sales in the region which affected their overall same-store sales growth in multiple countries.

Editor's P/S:

The news of Starbucks' job cuts in the Middle East due to boycotts linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict is deeply concerning. The layoffs are a testament to the devastating impact that political tensions can have on businesses and livelihoods. It is disheartening to see how the conflict has affected innocent employees, who are now facing job losses and financial hardship.

The boycott trend in the Middle East is a reminder of the power of consumer activism and the importance of businesses being mindful of their social and political responsibilities. Companies operating in regions with ongoing conflicts need to be sensitive to the concerns of their customers and take steps to mitigate the potential impact on their businesses. It is hoped that the situation in the Middle East can be resolved peacefully, allowing for the restoration of normal business operations and the protection of jobs for all those affected.