ABC NEWS – Over 150 companies have released statements condemning the initial Hamas attack.
Starbucks, McDonald’s and other major companies have touched off controversy tied to the Israel-Hamas war, exemplifying the corporate challenges posed by the high-stakes and politically charged conflict.
Starbucks sued its union, Starbucks Workers United, earlier this month after the labor organization posted a since-deleted message on X, formerly known as Twitter, expressing solidarity with Palestinians.
The message from the union triggered calls to boycott Starbucks, when some appeared to mistake the union’s position for that of the company.
At McDonald’s, an Israel-based franchise announced free food for members of the Israeli military, prompting a consumer backlash and messages from other franchises distancing themselves from the move.
Hundreds of Google employees, meanwhile, circulated a petition taking issue with a public letter released by CEO Sundar Pichai that they deemed was in favor of Israel, The Washington Post reported.
In response to ABC News’ request, Starbucks pointed to a statement on the company’s website.
Sara Kelly, executive vice president and chief partner officer at Starbucks, said in the statement:
“We strongly disagree with the views expressed by Workers United, including its local affiliates, union organizers and those who identify as members of ‘Starbucks Workers United’ — none of these groups speak for Starbucks Coffee Company and do not represent our company’s views, positions, or beliefs.”
A spokesperson for McDonald’s told ABC News that the company is primarily focused on ensuring the safety of employees.
To support people in the region, McDonald’s made a $1 million donation split evenly between Red Cross and The World Food Program, the spokesperson added …
