The Higher Wages Problem : Starbucks baristas say lines are getting longer for one troubling reason

The Business Insider reports:

Starbucks baristas say that the company is cutting hours — and consumers are paying the price.

Workers around the country are complaining that the chain's streamlined scheduling system is giving them fewer hours than they would normally receive, reports Venessa Wong at BuzzFeed Business.

"The change came with no warning or explanation from executives; some staff say their schedules were cut in advance, while others have been sent home during their shifts," Wong writes. "Many have taken to social media to complain, with some threatening to quit."

The alleged changes come at a time when Starbucks is adding new food and beverages to the menu. Baristas told BuzzFeed that having fewer people on the schedule means longer wait times.

The demand for labor.