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Starbucks reverses policy on employee mandates for COVID-19 vaccines and more business news

FILE - This Jan. 3, 2012 file photo shows the Starbucks Coffee logo in Mountain View, Calif. A growing number of U.S. companies are pledging to give workers time off to vote in the presidential election this November, an effort that's gaining steam despite the government's reluctance to make Election Day a federal holiday. Starbucks said Thursday it will give its 200,000 U.S. employees flexibility on Election Day, encouraging them to plan ahead with managers and schedule time to vote or volunteer at polling places. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)
FILE - This Jan. 3, 2012 file photo shows the Starbucks Coffee logo in Mountain View, Calif. A growing number of U.S. companies are pledging to give workers time off to vote in the presidential election this November, an effort that's gaining steam despite the government's reluctance to make Election Day a federal holiday. Starbucks said Thursday it will give its 200,000 U.S. employees flexibility on Election Day, encouraging them to plan ahead with managers and schedule time to vote or volunteer at polling places. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)

By Staff and wire reports 4 min read

Starbucks reverses vaccine mandates

Starbucks is no longer requiring its U.S. workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, reversing a policy it announced earlier this month.

In a memo sent to employees, the Seattle coffee giant said it was responding to last week’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. In a 6-3 vote, the court rejected the Biden administration’s plan to require vaccines or regular COVID-19 testing at companies with more than 100 workers.

“We respect the court’s ruling and will comply,” Starbucks Chief Operating Officer John Culver wrote in the memo.

Starbucks’ reversal is among the most high- profile corporate actions in response to the Supreme Court ruling. Many other big companies, including Target, have been mum on their plans.