Starbucks to match employee 401(k) contributions

Seattle Starbucks announced on Monday that it will make matching contributions to 401(k) retirement plans for its 2009 plan year.

In December 2008, Starbucks made its 401(k) match discretionary, to be based on the company’s performance over the year.

“Our progress over these past few months has given us the opportunity to fund the company discretionary match for the 2009 plan year,” said Howard Schultz, president, chairman and CEO.

The company also announced that it will fund merit increases for eligible employees for fiscal 2010, and that it will continue to provide comprehensive and affordable healthcare benefits to all eligible workers.