Starbucks reports record Q2 sales, enhances worker benefits

By DEE-ANN DURBIN
AP Business Writer

Starbucks’ sales climbed to a record $7.6 billion in its fiscal second quarter, but its profits took a hit from climbing labor costs. And those costs are set to go even higher as the company tries to head off a growing union movement. Starbucks said Tuesday it will spend $200 million this year on better pay and benefits, but stressed that workers at unionized stores won’t be eligible. Workers at more than 50 U.S. stores have voted to unionize since late last year. Union organizers responded by filing a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board.