Walters v. Starbucks Corp.

Walters v. Starbucks Corp.

Opinion

OPINION AND ORDER

DENISE COTE, District Judge:

Abraneika Walters has brought this action against defendants Starbucks Corp. ("Starbucks"), Tafsir Mbodje, and Nick Tobias for sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation she experienced while working as a store manager at a Starbucks location. The defendants have moved to compel arbitration and dismiss the case. For the following reasons, the defendants' motion to compel arbitration is granted.

Background

Unless otherwise noted, the following facts are taken from the Complaint, and are assumed to be true for the purposes of this motion. In December 2019, Starbucks hired Walters as a store manager for one of its downtown locations ("Starbucks on Broadway"). Before starting, Walters signed the Starbucks Mutual Arbitration Agreement (the "Arbitration Agreement"). The defendants have provided a signed copy of the agreement with their motion. The Arbitration Agreement requires the [*2]  parties to "use binding individual arbitration to resolve any 'Covered Claims'" that arise between them. "Covered Claims" include any claims relating to Walters's employment, "including those concerning any element of compensation, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, recovery of bonus or relocation benefits, leaves of absence, accommodations, or termination of employment."

In July of 2020, Mbodje was assigned to supervise Starbucks on Broadway. Shortly after Mbodje was assigned to the store, Walters called Mbodje to discuss concerns that another female employee had after interacting with him. Mbodje raised his voice on the call and threatened Walters' employment. Walters then contacted human resources regarding her interaction with Mbodje, but human resources never followed up with her. Several days later, Mbodje warned Walters not to make any more complaints about him.

Throughout 2020, Walters received frequent and unwelcome sexual advances from Mbodje. These interactions continued even though Walters made clear to Mbodje that she wanted to keep their relationship professional.

Full case includes Shepard's, Headnotes, Legal Analytics from Lex Machina, and more.