EMT Starts Boycott of Cumberland Farms Over Free Coffee Policy

Sunday, February 14, 2016

GoLocal News Team and Kate Nagle

A RI EMT is contesting Cumberland Farms free coffee policy. Photo: Flickr/MikeMozart

A Rhode Island emergency medical technician (EMT) said that he is calling for a boycott of Cumberland Farms over not being served free coffee while police and fire first responders get the perk -- and Cumberland Farms is contesting his assessment of the situation.

“I was a paramedic most recently with a private ambulance company,” said Evan Kidd. “We’re not contracted with any town, and that’s fine. But going to Cumberland Farms regularly, they put us aside like we're nobody. Not only do EMTs do critical transports, we go to people's houses, we’re on the front line. So it’s kind of sad, and we certainly don't get paid what we should be getting paid.”

Evan said he felt frustrated enough that he reached out to Cumberland Farms, and said he got the following response.

“Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding your concern about the free coffee, here is the exact wording from our policy handbook. ‘Policy allows for only 1 cup per (uniformed) police, fire, prison guards, or military personnel, who must be present in the store at the time it is ‘comp’d.” This comes up often but EMTs are not included in this. I am sorry for the inconvenience. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. "

Kidd said he wanted to do something after talking with colleagues and friends, which led to the idea of a boycott.

“Look, there’s a lot going on right now, I don’t know if this will even catch on,” said Kidd. “But we’re out there, working just as hard to save lives — it didn’t seem right.”

Convenience Chain Counter Claims

Cumberland Farms, however contested the response that Kidd received.

A screenshot provided by Kidd.

"The person that responded (to Evan's request) was not an authorized response, so that's not an official response," said Cumberland Farms public relations representative Carin Warner. "Our goal in giving away the free coffee is to honor and acknowledge the first responders in the communities we serve. One of the ways we can do that expeditiously is to see a person in uniform. If a person comes in in uniform, they would be a recipient. There must be miscommunication here. The intent of what we want to do is acknowledge those in uniform, to identify and serve them."

Kidd, however, said he'd never been offered a free coffee, despite being in an EMT uniform, which he said was reflected in the response he said he had gotten when reached out.

"I've worn my EMT uniform countless times to multiple Cumberland Farms across [Rhode Island] and have never gotten a comped coffee," said Kidd. "Sure, I could get coffee elsewhere. But I like Cumberland Farms coffee. I just think they should be consistent in their recognition of first responders across the board."

Larger Audience

Kaleb Bajakian who started the group “No ST8 Revolt” posted the initial response — and call to action — on his Facebook page this week.

“It’s bad enough EMTs don’t get paid as much a cops or firefighters because the favoritism of 1st responders in Rhode Island is obscene. Firefighters and police officers do save lives from time to time but apparently in the eyes of Cumberland Farms, EMTs who save lives at least twice as much don’t deserve the same respect?” wrote Bajakian.

Bajakian said that he started the No ST8 Revolt page calling 2016 a “revolutionary year” with a focus on politics — and electoral change.

“People who step up when it matters are usually who you don’t expect. So thanks to 200ish friends who support No ST8 Revolt. However, lack of support from others in my life is a rude awakening to the 2 party system destroying what little good the world has left & divided almost everyone around me with the exception of a handful of people clever enough to read between the lines," he wrote.

"2016 is revolutionary year with an all time high Independent vote. The choice is literally between freedom or blood on your hands. A vote for Republicans or Democrats is theft and violence to fund mob rule wolves in sheep’s clothing,” he said.

Bajakian said he felt strongly about Evan’s fight for EMTs to bring the issue to light for others.

“The pay inequality for EMTs is awful,” said Bajakian. “It’s disgusting how little they get paid.”