Ruling makes trial likely in Starbucks tipping suit

By Michael Kinsman
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

A San Diego Superior Court judge yesterday denied a bid by Starbucks to dismiss a lawsuit contesting the way the coffee chain distributes tips to its employees.

A judge's ruling yesterday not to dismiss a lawsuit paves the way for a trial on whether Starbucks workers received their fair share of tips.
Judge Patricia Y. Cowett's ruling clears the way for a trial next May on whether as many as 100,000 Starbucks baristas were shortchanged on tips because they were forced to share them with shift supervisors.

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