Former Starbucks CEO files retaliation lawsuit after warning about ‘Mad’ machines

A former Starbucks executive has filed a lawsuit alleging retaliation after raising health and safety concerns.

Janice Waszak claims that after alerting higher-ups in the company about the condition of the store’s new equipment, she was quickly fired. Waszak worked at the company for almost twenty years and most recently held the title of director of concept innovation. In addition to retaliation, she also alleges discrimination in the workplace.

According to Fox BusinessWaszak claims she was fired after noticing problems with a proprietary espresso system known internally as the Sirene System. Waszak’s complaint states that while testing the equipment, she identified numerous safety and sanitary issues associated with the system. Because the siren system presents cleaning challenges related to the machine’s design, the “There is a good chance that maggots or other contaminants will grow in the equipment. Additionally, she claims the equipment caught fire during testing.

Waszak claims she reported these problems to supervisors and other company executives. She urged that the issues be addressed before the system is rolled out more widely. Rather than act on these concerns, Starbucks terminated her employment in December 2023.

According to the lawsuit, Waszak initially confirmed internal reviews that minimized or failed to detail the system’s health and safety risks. The former employee says she went along with the misleading information under pressure.

Starbucks has denied the allegations. Fox Business reported that the company said Waszak was terminated following an internal investigation that found she violated workplace policies. Starbucks has stated that it plans to defend itself against the claims in court, stating that the allegations are “completely baseless.”

The company claims that Waszak “was separated from the company following an investigation into allegations that her conduct violated Starbucks’ workplace conduct policy.”

The legal dispute arises when the company is already under increased supervision. The company is currently negotiating with Starbucks Workers United higher wages and better working conditions. Since November 13, 2025, unionized baristas have been on an indefinite strike, starting with picket signs in dozens of stores and spreading to hundreds of locations across the United States.

Starbucks Workers United said the strike spread to more than 180 stores in about 130 cities. The barista strike marks one of the longest strikes in the chain’s history. Some workers have capitulated and returned to regular shifts at union sites. The union’s demands include better staffing levels, higher take-home pay and resolution of hundreds of unfair labor practice charges filed with the National Labor Relations Board.

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