When is a "partner" not a partner?

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/09/business/dealbook/howard-schultz-starbucks-bathroom.html

Here is a prime example of the bogus language frequently used by corporate America: Starbucks calls its employees “partners.”

If someone were truly your partner, wouldn’t you consult with him or her BEFORE you decided to permanently close your “partner’s” workplace?

“Starbucks confirmed Friday that it will close its store on Monument Circle on Oct. 28, saying that the company’s first priority ‘is to make sure our partners are safe at work.’”

What about the concern that “partners” have work to be safe at?

"The [Starbucks] representative says employees impacted by the closure will be given the opportunity to transfer to a nearby location."

“We routinely review the partner and customer experience in our stores, to see if the store is thriving, partners (employees) are feeling supported, and that we are meeting customer needs. Our local leaders are, and have always been, empowered to use the many resources at their disposal to modify store operations and create the best experience for our communities. But when necessary, we will make the decision to close a store.”

"Our first priority is to make sure our partners are safe at work. We will continue to work to make sure that partners can focus on crafting exquisite beverages and creating connections in a safe, warm, and welcoming environment.”

Here’s one question for Starbuck’s senior management team: What is “safe, warm, and welcoming” about junkies shooting up in Starbucks bathrooms?

Blame Howard Schultz for that development. He is the one who decided to unlock the restrooms and make them available not just to customers but to everyone.

And though I don’t know this for a fact, my guess is that he did so without prior discussion (of the likely consequences of this policy change) with his “partners” who managed or worked in Starbucks stores.