Starbucks employee sues over coffee shop noise

[Omaha Steve]

Source: (Reuters)

NEW YORK - A former Starbucks barista with an ear condition is suing the company for $4 million because she says noise levels in the Manhattan coffee shop where she worked were too high.

According to court papers filed in New York State Court, changes to the coffee shop, like removing the carpeting and draperies and installing "loud, buzzing" ovens, created a noise level that was too much to bear for Joyce Cohen.

"The beeping, along with the loud ventilation system and the buzzing ovens, caused (Cohen) excruciating pain in her ears," the lawsuit said.

After complaining to Starbucks management, Cohen -- who worked for Starbucks for the past seven years and is suing for disability discrimination and lost wages -- was transferred to a different location.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN1215157220071213