It’s the latest move by a restaurant chain that has sought to position itself as a pioneer on workplace issues: In 2014, Starbucks debuted a program in which it covers tuition for full-time and part-time workers to get a college degree online from Arizona State University. It held forums last year for workers to discuss diversity issues as a national debate raged about racism and policing. And yet it is also looking to fully remove the tarnish that came in 2014 when the New York Times profiled a Starbucks worker who was struggling to deal with its unpredictable work schedules. (The company overhauled its scheduling practices almost immediately after that story was published.)

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In a letter to employees that the company published on its website, chief executive Howard Schultz said the latest pay raises were meant to “ensure Starbucks remains a retail employer of choice.” Beginning Oct. 3, all employees at its company-operated stores will see their base pay hiked by at least 5 percent. Some workers could see a larger increase, depending on “geographic and market factors.” Starbucks also said it was tweaking its stock options program, doubling the award that is given to workers who stay with the company for two full years.

The two changes in compensation mean employees will see raises between 5 and 15 percent, Starbucks said.

In the letter to employees, Schultz brought up the issue of scheduling, saying “our field leaders are committed to make every effort to help you meet your specific scheduling needs.” However, he did not specify whether any new policies or initiatives were being introduced to achieve that.

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In addition to the pay hike, Starbucks said it will be introducing a new approach to health-care plans intended to allow workers to more easily compare plans. Schultz also promised to loosen the company’s dress code. The famous green apron isn’t going anywhere, but the plan is to allow for more “self-expression” with attire. The details of what exactly that means are to be revealed at an employee meeting later this month.