Starbucks Adopts Code Of Conduct

A leaflet campaign against Starbucks Coffee Co. that criticized working conditions for Guatemalan coffee growers has led to a company code of conduct for its overseas coffee producers.

The code of conduct - addressing such issues as housing, wages and benefits - follows a campaign in 24 cities by the Seattle-based Coalition for Justice for Coffee Workers. The code will be distributed to Starbucks’ suppliers around the world.

“Starbucks is taking a very important step by deciding to do this,” said Roberta Ray, a coalition spokeswoman. “Hopefully, it will encourage other coffee companies to do the same thing.”