Starbucks buys a Jet, but won't match 401(k) plans- minor analysis paper

Amidst hundreds of closing stores and decreased labor hours, Starbucks Coffee Company bought a jet last month. The new jet, a Gulfstream 550, was ordered three years ago, according to the spokeswoman Deb Trevino. Even though Starbucks told employees that it is reconsidering how much it will match in their 401(k) plans this year, the Seattle coffee company concluded that canceling delivery of the jet would be too expensive, costing around $5 million dollars plus the loss of payments already made. In the end, its a matter of degree and judgement. Starbucks has to answer the difficult question, "Whats more important to us at this time, our partners or our profit?" As an international corporation, their focus is obviously on the latter. Trevino stated that the new jet has been used for both business and personal uses but the trips it has taken have been necessary for the company as a whole. This has left many people angry. They believe that employees of Starbucks should not be allowed to use the jet for personal trips or leisure activities. While many companies have corporate jets, Starbucks' new arrival could not have come at a worse time. The major decline in profits has forced the company to cut hours and increase lay-offs. They also closed 616 U.S. stores last year. (The Seattle Times) Even though baristas are struggling to pay bills, Trevino insists that the now three jets they have are important to Starbucks' business with nearly 17,000 stores in 49 countries. Why not take an international flight like the rest of us? For corporate big-whigs, this is just "the way things are." Trevino says, "in some instances it makes more sense from a time and economic standpoint, to use the corporate plane."

This article, written by Melissa Allison of the Seattle Times is an excellent piece of journalism that neutrally presents all positions and opinions of the Seattle coffee company making such a large purchase during an economic recession. Allison delivered the facts and her bias, if anything, was not apparent in the article. She provided a sufficient amount of evidence and logic to support the claims she made. At first glance, it may seem that Allison is disappointed in the coffee company for putting their money in the "wrong" place, but her publication of Starbucks' defense leaves the reader satisfied with a well rounded piece of journalism. Her motives were in the right place and the news was delivered to the people.

Allison was prompted to write this story for two basic reasons. As a good friend and neighbor of ours, Starbucks Coffee Company generates a lot of emotion and interest with many of it's stores located at the heart of our city. Furthermore, Allison is a journalist for the business section. Any large purchase by a local company would generate this much attention during the economic struggles we have endured this past year. She is also responding to the people of Seattle: those who work for Starbucks, those who basically live at Starbucks and those who recognize its importance in our city. As a writer for the much loved Seattle Times, I respect Megan Allison and admire her completely. She did her job by providing our city with newsworthy information.

Reference: "Stores closing, but Starbucks buys a jet" by Melissa Allison Seattle Times Business Reporter January 8, 2009