Grand Rapids IWW - For the General Strike and Emancipation of the Working Class!

IWW Film Series Feb 16 7pm

2012-01-31T04:37:00.002-05:00

This month the IWW (Industrial Workers of the World), the Bloom Collective and Occupy Grand Rapids are co-sponsoring the showing of the film "Freedom Riders: Could You Get On The Buss?"

In 1961, segregation seemed to have an overwhelming grip on American society. Many states violently enforced the policy, while the federal government, under the Kennedy administration, remained indifferent, preoccupied with matters abroad. That is, until an integrated band of college students-many of whom were the first in their families to attend a university-decided, en masse, to risk everything and buy a ticket on a Greyhound bus bound for the Deep South. They called themselves the Freedom Riders and they managed to bring the president and the entire American public face to face with the challenge of correcting civil-rights inequities that plagued the nation.

Veteran filmmaker Stanley Nelson's inspirational documentary is the first feature-length film about this courageous band of civil-rights activists. Gaining impressive access to influential figures on both sides of the issue. Nelson chronicles a chapter of American history that stands as an astonishing testament to the accomplishment of youth and what can result from the incredible combination of personal conviction and the courage to organize against all odds.

This event is free and open to the public. A discussion will follow.

IWW Film Series January 19 6 pm

2012-01-06T17:16:00.002-05:00

January 19. It will be at 6:00PM at the IATSE Labor Hall.
931 Bridge ST on the North West side.
The film is "Land and Freedom."
It is about a young man from Great Britain who goes to Spain in the 1930's to help the Democratically elected government fight the Fascists who were trying to overthrow it. The Fascists were lead by Franco who was backed by Hitler and Mussolini. It is a very good film that won a couple of awards when it came out in 1995. It is also a love story! A discussion will follow.

Introduction to the IWW

2011-10-29T17:39:00.003-04:00

IWW Organizer Training October 1-2

2011-09-19T21:50:00.006-04:00

* Michigan's working class is under attack. *
*Learn how to fight back in Detroit on October 1-2*!

Attend a free two-day Organizer Training Program with the Industrial Workers
of the World's Detroit Branch, open to all who are interested in protecting
their rights and interests as workers.

This Organizer Training Program will provide a comprehensive guide to the
I.W.W.'s unique brand of radical unionism. Experienced organizers from
around the state will offer practical tips for workers interested in
organizing and fighting for better pay, better workplaces, and better lives.

This training is free and open to the public, and Detroit's own Wobbly
Kitchen will serving a variety of delicious food.

*The Organizer Training Program will be held on Saturday, October 1st and
Sunday, October 2nd from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The ACLU of Michigan's
Detroit Office (2966 Woodward Avenue).*

*Attend one or both days of this free training: please RSVP with Lacey
Harris at peroska2@gmail.com

The international uproar over Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker's
anti-collective bargaining law and Michigan Governor Rick Snyder's austerity
measures has provoked a renewed interest in unions and worker activism.
However, traditional business unions and political parties lack the will,
structure, and inspiration to organize this generation's working class.

People all over the world are finding that the I.W.W. offers an empowering
alternative because of its democratic, grass-roots structure and its support
of workers in the retail and service industries. Unlike typical top-down
party politics and establishment unions, I.W.W. serves a vehicle for
solidarity and mutual support among worker-activists who want to take
immediate concrete action to achieve better wages, terms, and conditions for
themselves and their fellow workers.

If you have any questions about this program or other upcoming events, visit
our Facebook page at Detroit
IWW<http://www.facebook.com/pages/Detroit-IWW-GMB/123543674387130>.

Food Not Bombs Co-Founder Speaking Tour

2011-09-18T21:40:00.000-04:00

On facebook

IWW Film Night: Capitalism is the Crisis

2011-09-06T20:41:00.002-04:00

	Thursday, September 15 · 7:00pm

	IATSE Labor Hall 931 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids

The 2008 “financial crisis” in the United States was a systemic fraud in which the wealthy finance capitalists stole trillions of public dollars. No one was jailed for this crime, the largest theft of public money in history.

Instead, the rich forced working people across the globe to pay for their “crisis” through punitive “austerity” programs that gutted public services and repealed workers’ rights.

Austerity was named “Word of the Year” for 2010.

This documentary explains the nature of capitalist crisis, visits the protests against austerity measures, and recommends revolutionary paths for the future.

Special attention is devoted to the crisis in Greece, the 2010 G20 Summit protest in Toronto, Canada, and the remarkable surge of solidarity in Madison, Wisconsin.

After the film members of the IWW will facilitate discussion.

I.W.W. Food & Retail Workers Union Founding Convention

2011-09-01T22:33:00.004-04:00

Originally Published in the Industrial Worker Sept. 2011 issue:

October 21, 22 & 23, 2011 : Portland, Oregon - Hosted by the Portland General Membership Branch of the I.W.W.

The I.W.W. Food and Retail Workers Union is an organization of workers at every link in the supply chain of food and retail products- from processing facilities to warehouses to restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, strip malls, big box stores, and other retail shops. We have come together to fight for fundamental change in our industries. In the short term, we seek to build power with our coworkers to win improved wages, guaranteed hours, healthcare, and other crucial improvements to our working conditions. In the long term, we aim to establish industrial democracy through worker self-management of production for human needs, rather than capitalist.

The convention will lay the organization’s structural foundation, develop an organizing and outreach strategy based on our approach of solidarity unionism, and plan for the building of industrial unionism in the food industry.

Bartertown Grand Opening Tomorrow !!

2011-08-18T22:42:00.002-04:00

Who: Bartertown Diner and Roc's Cakes & the Industrial Workers of the World - Grand Rapids

What: Grand Opening of Bartertown

When: Friday August 19, 2011 1130am-10pm

All the members of this new vegan/vegetarian/raw restaurant located at 6 Jefferson St. are members of the Industrial Workers of the World. The IWW is an historic labor union advocating worker's self organization and mutual aid.

The members of Bartertown have kept the wobbly spirit alive by working without a boss and everyone receiving equal pay.

Be a part of something positive in Grand Rapids, and eat amazing food at the same time!

Bartertown Diner is the first unionized restaurant in Grand Rapids in over 30 years.

Its a new day for workers at Bartertown, in Grand Rapids, and around the world.

***

Bartertown Diner - 616 233 3219

http://www.bartertowngr.com/

Grand Rapids IWW - 616 881 5263

http://grsbuxunion.blogspot.com/

Join our Picket at Jimmy Johns Today!

2011-07-11T07:15:00.001-04:00

For Immediate Release:

Industrial Workers of the World - Grand Rapids

June 11, 2011

Who: Union members and supporters

What: Informational picket with flyers demanding the re-instatement of our wrongfully terminated member.

Why: Matthew Bair was fired Friday July 8th for alleged costumer complaints. The facts are
that Bair never was told of any complaints and always received praise and good tips from costumers. Bair was fired for being a member of the IWW.

When: Monday June 11, 12pm - 1pm

Where: Jimmy Johns - 648 Monroe Street #101

The Jimmy Johns Workers Union, open to employees at the company nationwide, is affiliated with the Industrial Workers of the the World labor union. Gaining prominence in recent years for organizing Starbucks workers, the IWW is a global union founded over a century ago for all working people.

###

Phone Zap in support of fired Grand Rapids Jimmy Johns Worker!

2011-07-09T11:59:00.001-04:00

Phone Zap in support of Grand Rapids IWW member wrongfully terminated from Jimmy Johns! Fellow Worker Mathew Bair was fired July 8 from a JJ in Grand Rapids for alleged costumer complaints, when the facts are that Bair never was told of any complaints and always received praise and good tips from costumers. FW Bair was fired for his membership in the IWW and we won't go silently!

When: Saturday and Sunday July 9th and the 10th 2011 all day

What to Do: Call Owner Tom KirkPatrick. If he doesn't answer leave a message.

Demand: That fellow worker Matthew Bair be reinstated and to continue work at Jimmy Johns. That they stop their campaign against Jimmy Johns workers organizing for a better future.

Sample Text: Hello Mr. KirkPatrick, I am calling to insist that fellow worker Matthew Bair be reinstated at Jimmy Johns. It is illegal to terminate someone for their organizing activity. Please join the consensus of working people around the nation and stop the union busting efforts against your workers.

Tom KirkPatrick

Phone: (616) 617 3773

Grand Rapids, MI

IWW FREE MOVIE NIGHT

2011-05-17T18:12:00.002-04:00

Originally on GRIID

The Academy Award winning film for best documentary in 2010, Inside Job, will be shown this Thursday by the Grand Rapids branch of the IWW.

“The film focuses on changes in the financial industry in the decade leading up to the crisis, the political movement toward deregulation, and how the development of complex trading such as the derivatives market allowed for large increases in risk taking that circumvented older regulations that were intended to control systemic risk. In describing the crisis as it unfolded, the film also looks at conflicts of interest in the financial sector, many of which it suggests are not properly disclosed. The film suggests that these conflicts of interest affected credit rating agencies as well as academics who receive funding as consultants but do not disclose this information in their academic writing, and that these conflicts played a role in obscuring and exacerbating the crisis.”

A discussion of the film will be facilitated by members of the IWW after the screening. The film is free and open to the public.

Inside Job

Thursday, May 19

6:00 PM

IATSE Labor Hall 931 Bridge St. Grand Rapids

Local Worker-Owned Restaurant Joins Historic Labor Union

2011-05-09T17:30:00.004-04:00

For Immediate Release:

Industrial Workers of the World - Grand Rapids

May 9, 2010

Local Worker-Owned Restaurant Joins Historic Labor Union

Act signifies workers’ real desire for change, not just rhetoric

Grand Rapids, MI - Bartertown Diner and Roc’s Cakes a raw, vegan/vegetarian restaurant opening in a couple weeks in downtown Grand Rapids has decided to go “wobbly.” The seven member team which constitutes the worker-run establishment have all decided to join the old and storied Industrial Workers of the World labor union.

“It just seemed like the perfect fit for us. After meeting with members of the IWW it was clear that we all want the same things and being that we really don’t want to be just another restaurant it seemed logical,” said Ryan Cappelletti cook at the new Diner.

Bartertown Diner and Roc’s Cakes, which will be located at 6 Jefferson St., joins a growing list of worker-owned IWW shops. The Red and Black Cafe in Portland, Oregon and Just Coffee in Madison, Wisconsin being two others.

“We are very happy that Bartertown and Roc’s Cakes has decided to go IWW and believe it can only help in our larger campaign to raise the standard of living and benefits for all food and beverage workers in Grand Rapids,” said Shannon Williams, Treasurer of the local IWW branch.

The Grand Rapids Branch of the Industrial Workers of the World has been involved in food service organizing for many years. From the IWW Starbucks Workers Union to the IWW Jimmy Johns Workers Union.

The Industrial Workers of the World is a rank-and-file labor union open to all workers.

###

http://grsbuxunion.blogspot.com/
http://www.bartertowngr.com/

DONATE to the project

Grand Rapids Celebrates May Day 2011

2011-05-01T23:26:00.005-04:00

Originally posted on GRIID

May 1, 2011

Yesterday, hundreds of people from the community came out to celebrate in the 2^nd annual May Day event organized by the Grand Rapids Chapter of the IWW.

While the day started out windy and cool, the sun finally broke through and it was a beautiful day for a celebration. Some 15 bands played throughout the day, including folks music, hip hop, Latin rock, punk, blues, rap and Indie music. The IWW also had a DJ there throughout the day spinning tunes between bands keeping the energy high.

These mix of music genres was reflected in the turnout with a racial diverse audience of people, some of which came from the immediate neighborhood surrounding Martin Luther King Park.

In addition, members of Stop Targeting Our Kids (STOK) provided some activities for children such as face painting and other artistic expression projects. The Really, Really Free Market was also open for several hours allowing people to exchange goods without having to spend any money. There was also free food provided by a new chapter of Food Not Bombs and garden plants from Our Kitchen Table. The new worker-run restaurant BarterTown also brought food for people to sample and to see how a worker-run restaurant differs from a management run business.

There were also several organizations there with information and resources. The Sprout Anarchist Collective had a table with zines and other resources, along with the IWW and the Bloom Collective.

Between bands groups had an opportunity to let people know about the grassroots and anti-capitalist work being done in Grand Rapids. There was also some poetry read, a speech by Rev. Pinckney from Benton Harbor and the IWW kept reminding people about the history of May Day and their call for a general strike. GRIID had a chance to speak with IWW member Cole Dorsey about some of these issues.

Capeora Mandinga - Grand Valley State University Brazilian style martial arts dance troupe

DJ Iceman

Radiator Hospital
Vito and the Vegitable Bros.

MAY DAY 2011!!

2011-03-13T14:19:00.011-04:00

For Immediate Release:

Industrial Workers of the World - Grand Rapids

April 30, 2011

Grand Rapids Workers/Students Join Millions around the World in Celebrating MayDay

Local Organizations and Performers Come Together in the Spirit of Solidarity

Grand Rapids, MI - Community organizations and an historic labor union are preparing for a huge community event. May 1st marks the 125th anniversary of International Workers Day.
The origins of International Workers’ Day go back to 1886. When hundreds of thousands of workers across the United States went on strike. In Grand Rapids, 7,000 furniture workers of the Knights of Labor left their workplaces for an impromptu march . Workers demanded that their 10- and 12-hour work days be shortened to an 8-hour day with no reduction in pay. Over the next few years, thousands of workers won the 8-hour workday that many of us still enjoy today.

MayDay 2011 will be an attempt to revive that most effective weapon, the General Strike, in the 21st century class war being waged. A national network of labor unions and advocacy groups are planning actions across the country (http://maydayunited.org/about/organizations/) under the banner “Legalization and Jobs for All”

On April 30th, in Grand Rapids, we will celebrate the achievements won and prepare for the fight ahead. All participants at the celebration will be encouraged to participate in the General Strike of May 1 by not going to school, work, or shopping.

The celebration begins at 11 a.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. From 12 a.m. to 1 p.m. there will be a community potluck. From 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. there will be a "Really, Really Free Market" where people give and take items at no cost.

There will be performances throughout the day from solo to rock, hip-hop to electronic.

The local group Stop Targeting Our Kids will offer a range of kids activities such as face-painting, coloring, and games.

Speakers and resources will be available on issues such as LGBT rights, immigrant rights, workplace organizing, and more.

"In this current state of class war the working class has no option but to come together for our mutual benefit. An important lesson we want people to leave the May Day event with is that ‘the bosses need us we don't need them' said Shannon Williams IWW Treasurer and an organizer for the event. The IWW will announce plans on future organizing efforts and offer a collective strategy to fight against the austerity measures.

The Industrial Workers of the World is a rank-and-file labor union open to all workers.

###

http://grsbuxunion.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/griww

May Day is an international worker's holiday and an opportunity for the community to come together for resources and entertainment. Last year the celebration brought out 200 members of the community of all ages. This years celebration will be bigger and better.

The event will take place Saturday April 30th at Martin Luther King Jr. Park from 11am to 8pm

**Rain or Shine

There will be a community potluck, Really Really Free Market, kids activities, and resources for working people. This year will also see a wide range of entertainment acts from rock to rap to poetry reading to dance troupes.

Acts:
Cabildo
Capoeira Mandinga
Radiator Hospital
Eric Glatz
Big Dudee Roo
Winter Break
Royl Space
Xtra Vomit
Pistolbrides
Ostradamas
Props
Focus Ferocious
Bottom Line Band
NorthStarrr / GangGreen
DJ Iceman
Vito & the Vegitable Bros.

Participating Organizations so far:
Black Autonomy Network Community Organization (BANCO), The Bloom Collective, Grand Rapids IWW, GRIID, Sprout Anarchist Collective, Transspectrum

See you May Day!

Grand Rapids IWW at the "We Are One" Rally

2011-03-11T11:56:00.002-05:00

Read the full GRIID article

There were people representing the teachers unions, firefighters, environmental groups, UAW, SEIU, government employees, the Kent-Ionia Labor Council, students and faculty from GVSU and the IWW.

Another flyer was being circulated by the Grand Rapids branch of the IWW. Their flyer provided some analysis of the anti-worker policies being enacted by Governor Snyder. In addition, the flyer was advocating for a General Strike to take place as a means of making our demands and fighting against the draconian policies of the government and its corporate paymasters.

Grand Rapids Labor Rally April 4

2011-03-11T10:58:00.000-05:00

The Grand Rapids IWW will be joining the We Are One march on April 4, taking place in front of Grand Rapids State Office Building at 350 Ottawa NW from 4:30 to 5:30 PM.

We encourage all workers and concerned citizens to join us in protesting Governor Rick Snyder's ongoing class war against Michigan's workers and poor.

Stop by and say hello, we will have signs and pamphlets, and we'll be giving out information in addition to joining the general protest.

2011-02-27T14:03:00.001-05:00

League of Revolutionary Black Workers Celebration Event!!

2011-02-07T18:15:00.011-05:00

On facebook

More info. call 616-881-5263

IWW Free Movie Night FEB. 17 7PM

2011-02-05T18:15:00.000-05:00

First in a series of thought-provoking films. Discussion follows. Free and open to the public.

"Mardi Gras - Made in China"
This examination of cultural and economic globalization follows the life-cycle of Mardi Gras beads from a small factory in Fuzhou, China, to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and to art galleries in New York City.

March 24th - The Coca-Cola Case
April 21st - This is what Free Trade Looks Like
All movies co-sponsored with IATSE Local 26 and showing at the hall at 931 Bridge.

Solidarity action with Farm Labor Organizing Committee

2011-02-01T22:19:00.002-05:00

Friday, February 4 4-5:30 JP Morgan Chase Bank 1100 Michigan NE

On Friday, February 4 the Grand Rapids branch of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) will hold a solidarity action in support of a Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) campaign.

Since Labor Day of 2010 FLOC has been calling on people to engage in a divestment campaign against JP Morgan Chase Bank. JP Morgan Chase Bank is one of the lead banks in a consortium of lenders that provides $498 million dollars in credit to Reynolds American, one of the largest tobacco companies in the US.

While Reynolds American and JP Morgan Chase make billions, tobacco farmworkers continue to suffer serious human rights abuses in the fields. Although Reynolds does not directly employ these farmworkers, they determine the terms for contract growers, which directly affects the living and working conditions of farmworkers.

Reynolds American and JP Morgan Chase have the ultimate responsibility and financial resources to ensure safe and humane working conditions for tobacco farmworkers.

As a major lender to Reynolds, Chase has the stature and resources to convince Reynolds to improve conditions for tobacco farmworkers. Since May 12, 2010 FLOC has been asking Chase to use their influence to push Reynolds to address farmworker exploitation. To date Chase has refused to take any action.

The Grand Rapids branch of the IWW will be holding their solidarity action outside the JP Morgan Chase Bank branch at 1100 Michigan NE in Grand Rapids, near Fuller Avenue. IWW members will be calling on people to divest their money from JP Morgan Chase Banks and to support the struggle of farmworkers across the country. This action is one of dozens that are happening all across the country.

IWW member Cole Dorsey states, "We are participating in this action because the IWW believes that an injury to one is an injury to all. It is important for workers to act in solidarity with other workers when they are being exploited."

Contact information – Cole Dorsey 540-0243

Link to the FLOC Campaign http://supportfloc.org/ReynoldsAmericanCampaign.aspx

Union Victory at Starbucks [Counterpunch]

2011-01-27T21:13:00.001-05:00

Honoring MLK Day

Counterpunch

January 14, 2011 MLK Day Weekend

By Daniel Gross

Three years ago, union baristas at Starbucks made a simple demand of the world's largest coffee chain: respect the federal holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr. by paying baristas the same time-and-one-half holiday premium that you pay on six other federal holidays. It was an emotional and symbolic demand to make for two reasons. Many baristas are deeply inspired by Dr. King's legacy on racial equality, and King was murdered while supporting sanitation workers who were on strike for the very right to form a union. This is the same struggle facing millions of Americans today who desire union membership but are denied by the prospect of relentless union-busting and terribly flawed labor laws. Calling for holiday pay on MLK Day also made sense for workers' pocket books- with the low wages and inadequate work hours that Starbucks offers, holiday compensation is certainly welcomed to help make ends meet.

Starbucks' treatment of MLK Day as a second-class holiday was particularly hypocritical. The company and its billionaire CEO Howard Schultz pay an incredible amount of lip-service to the idea of "embracing diversity." Yet, their lack of respect for Dr. King's holiday was typical of the company's real orientation towards racial equality. For example, Starbucks employees of color are disproportionately represented in the lowest-paid entry-level jobs at the company, and while the company brands its coffee as ethically-sourced, farmworkers in the Global South growing coffee for Starbucks find themselves living in grinding poverty on the low prices that the coffee giant insists on paying.

Given the empty nature of Starbucks' commitment to "embracing diversity", the company was put into a difficult position when the IWW Starbucks Workers Union (SWU) called on it to honor Dr. King's holiday starting in 2008. The company had never spoken publicly about its substandard treatment of MLK Day. When the Union made Starbucks' MLK Day policy public, the company was faced with two options, neither of which it liked: a) refuse to pay the premium and allow a glaring hypocrisy to fester in the public arena, or b) pay the premium and concede an important victory to the SWU which it is fighting tooth and nail to delegitimize and to destroy.

For three full years, the company chose the former approach and resisted. The SWU's campaign forced the company for the first time to discuss publicly its denial of holiday pay on MLK Day and offer a defense for the indefensible. Starbucks argued that the policy was justifiable in light of the (abysmally low) prevailing standards of the food service sector. It's interesting that when Starbucks markets itself to prospective workers and prices products for its customers, it's fanatical about distinguishing itself from its fast food competitors. But the Burger Kings and the Taco Bells of the world are where Starbucks runs for safety to cover up the huge gap between the company's public relations hype and the reality on the ground for baristas.

In response to the company's refusal to meet its demand, the SWU along with Industrial Workers of the World members around the country embarked on a determined effort to win time-and-one-half holiday pay for every worker that does a shift on MLK Day. Shop floor actions, pickets, rallies, massive e-mail actions, as well as creative media advocacy started takings its toll on the company. But instead of doing the right thing and ending the second-class status of MLK Day, the company chose more rhetoric- statements about its respect for MLK and promoting volunteer service unrelated to social or economic justice on his holiday. That's the strategy of big business, the corporate non-profits, and the mainstream media: divorce Dr. King from his powerful actions for economic justice, racial equality, and peace in favor of a generic, non-confrontational charity model of "change" or "service".

The elites don't want us to know that the workers King was supporting during those fateful days in Memphis weren't hosting a charity car wash, they were withholding their labor and demonstrating against a violent, racist government that was denying them the very right to freely associate in the form of a labor union. They don't want us to know that King spoke out passionately for a living wage and against so-called right-to-work laws. They don't want us to recall Dr. King's words on the relationship between racism and union-busting: "...the labor-hater and labor-baiter is virtually always a twin-headed creature spewing anti-Negro epithets from one mouth and anti-labor propaganda from the other mouth."

As Starbucks and its public relations firm Edelman ruthlessly carry out a large-scale anti-union operation, they certainly don't want baristas to associate MLK Day with Dr. King's positive view on labor unions:

"The labor movement was the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress....The captains of industry did not lead this transformation; they resisted it until they were overcome."

Baristas persevered and continued carrying out creative and energetic actions year-after-year. After three years of struggle, Starbucks finally conceded to the Union's demand and informed workers in November that the company will pay the holiday premium to employees who work this Monday and every Martin Luther King Day. It's a moving and emotional victory for the Union to be able to honor Dr. King's legacy in our own modest way.

While there is still a long way to go to win good jobs at Starbucks, the victory is significant for the tens of thousands of Starbucks employees who will end up with some well-deserved additional money on their paychecks. And it's a great win for the solidarity unionism organizing model where rank & file workers organize their own unions and lead their own campaigns around workplace justice issues. Other fast food workers are following suit. IWW workers at the Jimmy John's sandwich chain in Minnesota initiated a demand this holiday season for a time-and-one-half premium on Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.

By one estimate, the holiday wage premium on MLK Day means Starbucks will pay something in the neighborhood of an additional one million dollars to employees each year. While a million dollars a year might not sound like a lot for a large corporation like Starbucks, it's a tremendous figure to win for a grassroots labor organization forging an innovative path to justice in the massive and unorganized fast food sector.

In these times of economic hardship and escalating attacks on workers' rights, I hope we can all pause on Dr. King's holiday to assess how we can honor his true legacy of movement action for social justice and the ultimate sacrifice he made to rise up in solidarity with the striking sanitation workers of Memphis. No one will do it for us, least of all the corporate executives and their social responsibility rhetoric. Another world is inevitable; if we do the hard work together to achieve it.

Daniel Gross is a former Starbucks barista and a member of the IWW Starbucks Workers Union, online at www.StarbucksUnion.org. He is the co-author with Staughton Lynd of "Labor Law for the Rank and Filer: Building Solidarity While Steering Clear of the Law" and "Solidarity Unionism at Starbucks," (artwork by Tom Keough), both available at www.pmpress.org.

IWW Free Movie January 20th!

2011-01-05T21:14:00.002-05:00

Thursday, January 20 6pm

IATSE HALL 931 Bridge SW

IWW Free Movie Night December 16th!

2010-12-07T21:40:00.001-05:00

Fire Your Boss - Organizer Training Dec. 4-5

2010-11-18T22:24:00.001-05:00

IWW Free Movie Night November 18 !

2010-11-08T22:16:00.004-05:00

OCCUPY, RESIST, PRODUCE!!

In the wake of Argentina's dramatic economic collapse in 2001, Latin America's most prosperous middle class finds itself in a ghost town of abandoned factories and mass unemployment. The Forja auto plant lies dormant until its former employees take action. They're part of a daring new movement of workers who are occupying bankrupt businesses and creating jobs in the ruins of the failed system.

Join us at the IATSE Hall (931 Bridge St. NW) 7pm November 18

On facebook

IWW screens “Plunder: The Crime of Our Time”

2010-10-16T11:19:00.003-04:00

Grand Rapids IWW Free Movie Night
PLUNDER: The Crime of Our Time
7 p.m. Thurs. Oct. 21
Trinity United Methodist Church
1100 Lake Dr. SE Grand Rapids

Originally appeared on GRIID

“When plunder becomes a way of life for a group of men,they create for themselves, in the course of time,a legal system that authorizes it,and a moral code that glorifies it.”– Political economist Frederic Bastiat, The Law [1850]

“I used to think of Wall Street as a financial center.I now think of it as a crime scene.”– Filmmaker Danny Schecter, Plunder (2009)

According to its promotional Web site, Plunder: The Crime of Our Time explores how the financial crisis was built on a foundation of criminal activity, showings how Wallstreet scammers recklessly put trillions of dollars and the world economy at risk.

This pyramid of fraud led to the massive foreclosures affecting 10 million homeowners, rising unemployment, economic collapse and increasing hardships worldwide. It connects the dots identifying who the victims and beneficiaries are in what “may well turn out to be the greatest nonviolent crime against humanity in history,” As Graydon Carter, editor, Vanity Fair states, ” . . . never before have so few done so much to so many.”

The film reveals the complicity of the major media outlets, which failed to sound the alarm or investigate wrong doers. It’s also a call to action: if action is not taken real lessons will not be learned or applied and another crisis may be looming as the underlying problems are still there.

“This is a story that must be told if economic justice is to have any meaning,” says Schechter, “Plunder demands a full investigation into who is responsible for the crisis and an appropriate punishment . . . This crisis is not about the unintentional mistakes of a greedy few but a crime that effects us all.”

View the trailer:

March to Mark the Costs: 9 years of US Occupation in Afghanistan

2010-10-03T14:38:00.002-04:00

Join the IWW in the march this Saturday against the US occupation of Afghanistan!

Saturday, October 9 · 12:00pm
Central High School

421 Fountain St NE

Grand Rapids, MI

On facebook

Peaceful neighborhood march to Fulton Cemetery (remember the dead), Baxter Community Center (count the cost) and Martin Luther King Park (reflect on King's opposition to war & ways to take action)

The march will focus on the cost of the war to Grand Rapids, which
will include speakers and informational handouts. We will also be
talking about military recruitment of our youth, the human cost of the
war - for both Afghanis and US soldiers and ending with a call to
action for people who want to continue to confront the war machine in
the US.

There will be drummers, signs and banners. Please bring noise makers
and your own signs. We will need people to help with going door to
door in the neighborhoods we walk through to hand out information
flyers on the cost of the war.

Historic First in Nation's Fast Food Industry, 200 Jimmy Johns Workers to Vote in NLRB Union Election on October 22

2010-09-29T19:37:00.002-04:00

Jimmy John's Workers Union

Potential Turning Point for Labor as Millions in Service Sector Face Deepening Poverty

MINNEAPOLIS– The National Labor Relations Board confirmed today that it will conduct a union election for 200 workers at ten Minneapolis-area Jimmy John's on October 22, an historic first in the nation's almost entirely non-union fast food industry. The secret ballot union election could be a turning point for labor at a time of deepening poverty for millions of Americans affected by the recession, many of whom are employed in low-wage service sector jobs.

“People who thought of themselves as middle class or upwardly-mobile two years ago are now making minimum wage at Jimmy John's, with no real prospects for moving up. If these are the kinds of jobs that American workers will be stuck with, then we are going to make them quality jobs for working families,” said Mike Wilkow, a union member at Jimmy Johns.

If a majority of workers vote in favor of unionization, the company will be legally bound to negotiate with a bargaining team elected by its employees.

The unprecedented fast food union campaign at Jimmy John's comes at a time of deepening economic misery for US workers. According to a recent report by the US Census Bureau, a record-breaking 43.6 million Americans– 1 in 7 people– are living in poverty. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the unemployment rate at 9.6%, with 14.9 million people out of work and uncounted millions more too discouraged to look for work. Layoffs and outsourcing have decimated higher-paid jobs, particularly strongholds of unionization such as manufacturing and construction, forcing many workers to seek employment in low-wage areas of the economy once reserved for teenagers and students. For many, it feels like food service and retail are the only jobs left.

While many workers are forced to seek employment in food service, industry wages and working conditions are widely regarded as substandard; in 2009, the median wage in the fast food industry was $8.28/hr and as of July 2010, the average workweek in fast food was only 24.3 hours. The median annual income for fast food workers is $10,462, or $871 per month. This is less than half the federal poverty line of $21,954 for a family of four, and below the federal poverty line of $ 10,830 for an individual. Jimmy John's is below industry standards, paying most workers the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr, scheduling most workers less than 20 hours/week, and offering no benefits.

Unionization has clear allure to poverty-wage food service workers. According to figures released by the Bureau of National Affairs, union members in the food service industry earned on average $2.36 more per hour, a 32% difference, than non-union workers in the same industry in 2009.

Despite the appeal of higher wages and better benefits, union density in the fast food industry is stuck at only 1.8%, far below the national average of 12.3%. Unionization efforts have been stymied by stiff employer resistance and professional “union avoidance” firms that specialize in thwarting NLRB election campaigns. 75% of employers avail themselves of third-party anti-union consultants when their employees petition for an NLRB election, according to a recent study by noted Cornell University labor scholar Kate Bronfenbrenner. The study demonstrates that many employers embark on union-busting campaigns consisting of threats, intimidation, firings, interrogation, and even spying. Due largely to these factors, only 45% of NLRB elections conducted from 1999-2003 resulted in a union victory.

Success for the union at Jimmy John's could be a major breakthrough for labor in an industry known for low union density and deplorable working conditions. Jimmy John's workers say they possess the resolve to see through what they acknowledge will be a tough fight. Jaim'ee Bolte, a member of the union, says, “People say fast food is unorganizable. We say failure is not an option. Service industry jobs are the future and our future needs to have quality jobs for working families with living wages, affordable healthcare, paid time off, consistent hours, and basic respect. It's time for change in America, we hope this will be a turning point for all workers.”

The Jimmy Johns Workers Union, open to employees at the company nationwide, is affiliated with the Industrial Workers of the World labor union. Gaining prominence in recent years for organizing Starbucks workers, the IWW is a global union founded over a century ago for all working people.

JimmyJohnsWorkers.org

Related:
US Census Bureau- Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2009
http://www.census.gov/prod/2010pubs/p60-238.pdf

Economic Policy Institute- No Holds Barred: The Intensification of Employer Opposition to Organizing
http://www.epi.org/page/-/pdf/bp235-fact-sheet.pdf

Bureau of Labor Statistics- Union Members 2009
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/union2.nr0.htm

Know Your Rights: in the Workplace

2010-09-16T22:49:00.001-04:00

The Grand Rapids Free School has a series of workshops called Know Your Rights. The workshop this Saturday will be on Workplace Rights.

"As an 'at-will' employee I don't have any rights because they can fire me whenever they want for whatever they want."

ALL WORKERS HAVE RIGHTS. Most of us don't know what they are or how to use them. Come to this brief introduction of your rights on the job. Learn the tools to defend your rights and build a democratic workplace.

Know Your Rights: In the Workplace
Saturday Sept. 18th, 2 PM @ The Bloom Collective
671 Davis NW GR, MI 49504

"Freaky Fast Sandwiches" more like "Freaky Low Wages," one area-group says

2010-09-08T18:12:00.002-04:00

Originally from the Rapidian

Photo Credit: Nick Manes

Demonstrators Outside of Eastown Jimmy John's

The Jimmy John’s sandwich chain is known for their “Freaky Fast Sandwiches,” witty signs, and primarily college-age staff. Poor labor practices is something that they are not well known for. However, the Industrial Workers of the World are hoping to change that.

On Labor Day (Monday) afternoon, around a dozen people stood in the rain outside of the Jimmy John’s store on Wealthy Street in Eastown. Local organizer for the IWW Cole Dorsey explained that the demonstration was done as part of a solidarity campaign with Jimmy John’s workers in Minneapolis, Minn.

Dorsey said that the workers in Minneapolis had been organizing for a couple of years, primarily around issues of increased wages, seeking benefits, scheduled breaks and a host of other matters. This past Thursday, the Minnesota workers went public with their demand letter to Jimmy John’s management but were denied an opportunity to meet with the franchise owners. Dorsey added that within a short period of time, there were multiple ads on the Minneapolis Craig’s List looking for new workers.

Here in Grand Rapids, Dorsey said that the local chapter of the IWW began going to area Jimmy John’s on Friday and speaking with employees.

“People voiced their disapproval of making minimum wage, not having scheduled breaks, and no sick days the most,” Dorsey said of his conversations with Grand Rapids Jimmy John’s employees. “We have given national and local contact info to every worker we’ve contacted. We are following up with every worker that contacts us” Dorsey added via email.

Monday’s solidarity demonstration was attended by primarily IWW members, but some people were just there to show their support as well.

IWW member Lou Palus explained that he attended in support of solidarity for Jimmy John’s employees to earn better wages. “Without a union, employees have no voice; it’s just the corporations.”

Supporter Evelyn Stone said, “workers have been courageous to stand up for their rights ... They are setting a good example.”

This reporter did go into the Eastown Jimmy John’s store during the demonstration to attempt to get a comment from either the manager or one of the employees. However, that request was denied.

IWW holds Solidarity picket in Grand Rapids for Jimmy John’s workers

2010-09-06T17:30:00.002-04:00

Originally posted on GRIID

by Jeff Smith (GRIID)

Today, 10 members of the local chapter of the IWW and a few supporters stood in the rain outside of the Jimmy John’s restaurant in Eastown today to show support for a new national effort to unionize fast food restaurant chain in the US.

IWW members received primarily positive responses from people walking and driving by the Jimmy John’s location on Wealthy Street near the intersection of Lake Dr and Wealthy.

Despite sending out a Media Release to dozens of local news agencies, the only coverage of the solidarity picket came from Indy media sources, GRIID and a citizen journalist with the Rapidian. WZZM 13 did run a story about the planned picket yesterday, but no commercial news agencies showed up today, despite the obvious tie in to Labor Day.

We had a chance to interview IWW member Cole Dorsey after the solidarity picket and asked him about the campaign to support Jimmy John’s workers and related matters.

I.W.W Union to picket in front of Wealthy St. Jimmy John's on Labor Day

2010-09-06T08:35:00.002-04:00

This originally appeared at WZZM13

Grand Rapids, Mi. (WZZM) - Demands for improvements to working conditions have some Jimmy John's employees unionizing around the nation. One West Michigan location will be a test-ground on Labor Day.

About twenty I.W.W (Industrial Workers of the World) members, from the Grand Rapids chapter, will picket in front of the Wealthy St. Jimmy John's Monday from noon to 1pm, representing the franchise's employees across the nation who feel they're underappreciated in the workplace, in support of the Jimmy John's labor dispute in Minneapolis which started it all.

"A lot of Jimmy John's workers are asked to work one and two hour shifts, or are expected to put wear and tear on their vehicles without compensation," says Cole Dorsey, Grand Rapids organizer of the I.W.W. "It's difficult to get sick days or to get job-related workman's compensation [from Jimmy John's management]."

So, Dorsey and the rest of the Grand Rapids I.W.W. will represent area Jimmy John's employees in protest Monday. Leafleting and picketing is planned for 32 of the 39 states in which Jimmy John's operates.

Minneapolis Jimmy John's co-owner, Mike Mulligan said in a statement last week: "We are very proud of our employment record in Minneapolis and take issue with the claims of the I.W.W. We value our relationship with our employees and offer competitive wages and good local jobs. We are dedicated to providing a fair, equal and diverse workplace environment."

Dorsey, and his I.W.W. members, don't see it that way.

"Sexual harrassment, better pay, benefits for non-managerial employees - that's what the union workers, the sisters and brothers in Minneapolis, want from us on Labor Day," says Dorsey.

Jimmy John's workers in Grand Rapids are not members of the I.W.W., but Dorsey hopes that changes after Monday's picketing.

"We've had contact with the [Jimmy John's] workers all across Grand Rapids," says Dorsey. "We're going to continue to work with them and organize them."

Despite the protest, it will be business as usual at the Wealthy St. Jimmy John's Monday.

"We are not trying to hinder business," says Dorsey. "We hope at some point in the future these workers will be coming together along the same demands as the Minneapolis workers, but they will not close down shop and be out here with us."

WZZM attempted to contact a member of the Wealthy St. Jimmy John's management for comment, but our phone call wasn't returned.

First in Nation, Jimmy Johns Sandwich Workers Join Union to Increase Minimum Wage Pay

2010-09-02T21:55:00.005-04:00

Solidarity picket at Eastown Jimmy Johns Labor Day 2010 12pm-1pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jimmy Johns Workers Union (Industrial Workers of the World)

September 2, 2010

First in Nation, Jimmy Johns Sandwich Workers Join Union to Increase Minimum Wage Pay

Fast Food Chain Rocked by Work Stoppages in Sign of Mounting Economic Frustration among US Workers

Press Conference and Rally: 4pm September 2, Block E Jimmy Johns, Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS- Service was anything but 'freaky fast' at Jimmy Johns today as workers walked off the kitchen floor in an unprecedented move to demand improved wages and working conditions at nine Minneapolis franchise locations. Announcing the formation of the IWW Jimmy Johns Workers Union, the workers are seeking a pay increase to above minimum wage, consistent scheduling and minimum shift lengths, regularly scheduled breaks, sick days, no-nonsense workers compensation for job-related injuries, an end to sexual harassment at work, and basic fairness on the job.

“I have been working at Jimmy Johns for over two years and they still pay me minimum wage and schedule me one-hour shifts,” said Rikki Olsen, a union member at the Block E location. “I'm working my way through school and can barely make ends meet. I'd get another job, but things are just as bad across the service industry. Companies like Jimmy John's are profitable and growing, they need to provide quality jobs for the community.”

The Minneapolis franchise, owned and operated by Miklin Enterprises, Inc., pays the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr, offers no benefits, and has no full-time positions outside of management. Jimmy Johns corporate website lists $264,270 as the average yearly net profit for operating a franchise. Union members estimate that Rob and Mike Mulligan, owners of Miklin, Inc. made an annual profit of at minimum $2.3 million in the last year alone. The Miklin franchise plans to open four new locations this year at an estimated cost of over $1.2 million.

Jake Foucault, a delivery driver at the Riverside store, said, “ If Mike and Rob Mulligan have the money to open four new stores, then they have the money to pay us more than minimum wage. We hope Rob and Mike do the right thing and come to the negotiating table.”

A negotiating committee of Jimmy Johns workers plans to meet with the Mulligans at the Block E central office of the franchise to begin discussions at 4:00pm today.

The fast food workers' move to unionize is emblematic of mounting frustration amongst US workers with the sluggish pace of recovery from the Recession. With unemployment rates hovering around 9.5%, many workers view low wage service jobs as their only option. Employment in the food service industry is expected to grow 8.4% from 2008 to 2018, higher than the 7.7% rate predicted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for all industries. Wages and working conditions in the fast food industry are widely regarded as substandard; in 2009, 25% of workers in the service industry made less than $7.55 an hour, the highest percentage of any occupational group.

The union campaign at Jimmy Johns could hold deep implications for other companies in the fast food industry, a sector known for the lowest rates of unionization- and lowest wages- in the United States. Only 1.8% of food service workers were represented by a union in 2009, far below the nation-wide figure of 12.3%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The question of unionization of the food and service industries is assuming greater focus as employment in these non-union sectors increases, while manufacturing, the traditional stronghold of unionization, slides further into decline.

The Jimmy Johns Workers Union, open to employees at the company nationwide, is affiliated with the Industrial Workers of the World labor union. Gaining prominence in recent years for organizing Starbucks workers, the IWW is a global union founded over a century ago for all working people.

##

JimmyJohnsWorkers.org

Know Your Rights in the Workplace

2010-08-29T18:46:00.003-04:00

The Grand Rapids Free School has a series of classes titled "Know Your Rights". The next class will be on workplace rights and will be 2pm September 18 at Steepletown: 671 Davis Avenue Northwest Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Join Us in Solidarity with Benton Harbor!

2010-07-10T19:34:00.003-04:00

August 10 Demonstration

(The Grand Rapids IWW is organizing a car pool to Benton Harbor August 10. If you want to join us email: griww@iww.org or call: 616-881-5263)

Originally posted on BANCO

Whirlpool continues to steal land from the residents of Benton Harbor. An inhumane culture has been created in the city by Whirlpool, the out-of-control development Harbor Shores, and Rep. Fred Upton. Residents are being driven out of their city.

The greedy corporations will be opening a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf course for the rich only in the middle of Benton Harbor.

The golf course will open August 10, 2010 at 10am. Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Johnny Miller, and Tom Watson will be in Benton Harbor. So bring your golf clubs and protest not only the golf course, but a massive and destructive example of the corporate power which rules us all.

Benton Harbor needs your help.
MASS DEMONSTRATION AUGUST 10, 2010, 10am
Rally and march begins at City Hall
200 Wall St.
Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022

For more information or to request
speaking time at rally, contact
Rev. Pinkney 269-925-0001

Hear "Pinkney to Pinkney" radio program
blogtalkradio.com
Every Sunday, 5-6pm

Until the Final Victory: Celebrating Six Years of the IWW Starbucks Workers Union

2010-06-12T13:15:00.003-04:00

The IWW Starbucks Workers Union is proud to celebrate the sixth anniversary of our campaign for fair wages, consistent scheduling, a healthier and safer workplace, and a voice on the job at the world's largest coffee chain. As we enter our sixth year of struggle, we leave behind us a year marked by the continued rapid deterioration of working conditions at Starbucks: the doubling of our health insurance costs, massive layoffs, reduced staffing, and the continued disregard of greedy company executives for the well-being of hard-working Baristas and their families– even as Starbucks achieves record profits of $760.3 million in the last 12 months. This represents a profit of roughly $5354 from each of Starbucks 142,000 workers. Rather than return the wealth of our labor to hard-working Baristas who are living in poverty, Starbucks executives issued the first-ever dividend to shareholders, further enriching the financial class that has driven our world to ruin in the worst economic crisis since 1929. However, even as conditions continue to worsen in corporate management's greed-fueled race to the bottom, our movement for justice at work continues to gather strength. We now take a moment to celebrate our victories as we prepare for the battles to come.

In the past year, we gained members and took action to win our demands and build power on the job on shopfloors across the world. The Starbucks Workers Union expanded to Canada as Baristas in Quebec City joined the IWW in response to Starbucks new Optimal Scheduling system, which forces students to choose between keeping their jobs and staying in school, and pressures working parents to choose between their children and their careers. In the United States, we have continued to gain ground in our fight to defend our right to organize, with Starbucks cornered into signing its sixth settlement agreement with the National Labor Relations Board pledging to end its anti-union misconduct. We gained valuable public support thanks to our new allies at Brave New Films, who launched a social media campaign to raise awareness of Starbucks' repeated and intentional violation for our right to organize. A YouTube video about the Starbucks Workers Union filmed by Brave New Films was viewed over 80,000 times, forcing a response from Starbucks. In New York, Starbucks was hit by yet another NLRB legal complaint, increasing pressure on company bosses to respect our right to association.

Despite continued illegal interference from management, we have forged ahead with organizing efforts, welcoming scores of new members to the campaign and taking numerous direct actions to win gains on the job. In St. Paul, MN, the Starbucks Workers Union sprang to the defense of wrongfully-fired Barista Azmera Mebrahtu as she was unjustly targeted by Partner & Asset Protection. In Fort Worth, TX, union Baristas took direct action to demand the right to call in sick when they were forced to work with H1N1 symptoms, as well as to highlight Starbucks' decision to line executives pockets by doubling our healthcare costs. In New York City, baristas called on Starbucks executives to end their hypocrisy and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by offering holiday pay on MLK Day. We stood up for the right of all workers to a workplace free to sexual harassment by standing with barista Kati Moore in her battle with the company over their support for a supervisor who repeatedly coerced her into sex. Unfortunately, we found that tolerance of sexual harassment has its roots high in the corporate hierarchy at Starbucks. Our public stance in support of Kati Moore inspired high-level managers to expose the pattern of sexual harassment and abuse engaged in by Starbucks Regional Vice President Andrew Alfano.

Looking back, we are horrified by the intensifying cycle of exploitation and abuse that corporate management is unleashing on workers at Starbucks. But looking ahead, we are confident that our movement will continue to gain strength. Our struggle for an independent voice on the job will end in triumph for Starbucks workers.

Until the final victory!

IWW Reclaims May Day in Grand Rapids

2010-05-02T21:22:00.009-04:00

Organell Williams and the Bottom Line Band

Reverend Pinkney - President Black Autonomy Network Community Organization, President NAACP (Benton Harbor), Vice Chair Michigan Green Party

Article originally posted on GRIID

Yesterday, about 200 people came to a May Day event at Martin Luther King Park, hosted by the Grand Rapids Chapter of the IWW. Reclaiming the original day when working people gathered together to build solidarity and community, the IWW invited a variety of organizations to come and talk about their work, enjoy some food and live music throughout the day.

There were representatives from Stop Targeting Our Kids (STOK), the Bloom Collective, a new socialist student group at GVSU, Our Kitchen Table, an anti-foreclosure group and the West Michigan Coalition for Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

In addition to the speakers there were children’s activities, a community potluck, information tables and the Really Really Free Market. All of this combined provided an atmosphere of solidarity and a chance for people to build community.

The IWW also passed out a document reflecting their core beliefs and current position on issues of importance to working people and their families. The document read:

* We believe that that this economic system of exploitation, capitalism, where profits are valued more than people, is inherently unjust. The IWW wants to replace Capitalism with an economic model where everyone’s needs are met. We envision a society where workers take possession of the means of production, abolish the wage system, and live in harmony with the Earth.
* We believe that all workers have the right to organize. The IWW has a history of organizing everyone in the working class, even students and the unemployed. In Grand Rapids we have organized Starbucks workers and are planning a new organizing campaign of bar and restaurant workers.
* We believe that until Capitalism is replaced with a better economic system that all workers have a right to a livable wage. Right now in the US according to United for a Fair Economy, the average CEO makes 344 times more than the average worker. CEOs are not more valuable than workers and we will work with anyone on a campaign for a livable wage ordinance for Grand Rapids and Kent County.
* We believe that the US government has misused taxpayers’ money by bailing out Wall Street, which has done nothing more than reward institutions engaged in criminal behavior. Hundreds of thousands of people are losing their homes to foreclosure and unemployment and while underemployment affects millions, the rich are rewarded. The IWW condemns both the bailout and the so-called federal economic stimulus. Imagine what would have happened if the money the government gave to Wall Street Bankers went to the American public to pay off all our mortgages and to pay workers a livable wage. That would have been a real economic stimulus!
* We believe, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., that a nation that spends more on war than it does on the well being of its citizens is deplorable. As of today, the US has spent $989 Billion of taxpayers’ money on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, $518 million from Grand Rapids alone. The IWW condemns these wars and the use of the working class to fund and fight them.
* We believe that no human being is “illegal”. We are firmly opposed to SB 1070 in Arizona, which disenfranchises and criminalizes a whole race of people. As a union formed by immigrants we stand in solidarity with all immigrants. Liberal “free trade” policies like NAFTA and CAFTA create a race to the bottom at the expense of ALL workers.

MAYDAY 2010!

2010-02-11T21:50:00.019-05:00

Celebrate MAYDAY 2010 in Grand Rapids! May 1st in Martin Luther King Jr. Park. To include: Community Potluck, Hip Hop Artists, Bands, Speakers, Kids Activities...

Performances by: BMG Entertainment, Chance Jones, Euphoria, Kelly O'Brien and the Bridge Street Special, Jihad Islam, Pain and Glory, Organel Williams and the Bottom Line Band, Alexis, Todd Krabs,...

11a.m. to 1 p.m. Community Potluck. Bring food to share or just bring an appetite.

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. "Really, Really Free Market"
The goal of the really really free market is to gather a variety of people from the community to share a talent, information, something one has an abundance of, or something anyone wants to share. Hopefully some art, music, bicycle repair, moped repair, hair cuts, Yoga, Clothes, fruits and veggies

1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Stop Targeting Our Kids (STOK) will offer a range of kids activities such as face-painting, coloring, and games

Performances All Day

Participating organizations: Grand Rapids Hip Hop Coalition, The Bloom Collective, Grand Rapids Institute for Information Democracy, League of Revolutionaries for a New America, Workers Solidarity Alliance, Lansing Workers Center, Grand Rapids IWW, Black Autonomy Network Community Organization, United States Social Forum, Stop Targeting Our Kids, Our Kitchen Table,Humane Society of GVSU...

More artists and organizations to be announced!

If your organization would like to participate or your a musical artist contact:
grandrapidsstarbucksunion@yahoo.com
616-881-5263

Grand Rapids and Chicago were the leading cities of the original MAYDAY. In 1886 7,000 furniture workers of the Knights of Labor left their workplaces for an impromptu march for the eight hour work day on May 1st. This ribbon is from the Grand Rapids MAYDAY 1886

Statement of Solidarity with Kati Moore, barista that was sexually assaulted by her supervisor while Starbucks did nothing

2010-02-02T21:15:00.000-05:00

STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY WITH KATI MOORE
from the IWW Starbucks Workers Union

Kati Moore is a hero.

We, as workers at Starbucks, stand in complete solidarity with former barista, Kati Moore. Kati, at 20 years old, has far more integrity than the 56 year-old billionaire, Starbucks' CEO, Howard Schultz. She has taken a fierce stand on behalf of every worker who has been made to feel that they were merely the sexual property of an abusive, manipulative employer. When Kati came forward, we felt that she did so in an effort to protect each and every barista at Starbucks, and every underage employee working in retail, from experiencing her pain. We hope that her courage will give others the strength to speak up, and the strength to fight back when they feel they are at their weakest. Kati's experience shows us that we CAN stare down corporations like Starbucks and declare that we deserve to feel safe at work, that we deserve respect, and that we, if victimized, are not alone.

What Happened?

Kati Moore filed a lawsuit against Starbucks in 2007 because of the company's failure to act when she told her manager about the abuse she was going through. She is rightfully suing for monetary damages due to Starbucks' failure to comply with the law when her superiors in the company obtained knowledge of sexual assault between a minor and an adult, as well as a worker and a boss.

At the young age of 16, Kati was introduced to the workforce with her first job as a barista at a Starbucks in Orange County, CA. She was quickly taken advantage of by her then-24-year-old, Shift Supervisor, Tim Horton. Horton coerced Kati into a sexually abusive relationship. As the situation worsened, Kati bravely sought help by disclosing the abuse to her assistant store manager.

By not doing anything to stop the abuse or hold Horton accountable for his actions, the manager violated various laws that are in place to protect minors from sexual abuse, in addition to the laws surrounding sexual harassment in the workplace. As with many claims of sexual harassment at Starbucks, the person being harassed (in this case, Kati) was transferred to another store while the perpetrator received no repercussions for what they had done. Once Horton was tried for his offense of illegal sex with a minor,--in a separate case from the one between Kati and Starbucks--he served a four month prison sentence.

The law proclaims what Horton did was wrong, so why doesn't Starbucks?

When the company got word that Kati's story--which has been public knowledge for years--would be aired on national television, Starbucks issued several company-wide memos that reeked of lies and deception. The most disgusting assertion the company made was that what happened was a "consensual relationship." This statement is not only false in more ways than one, but de-criminalizes the actions of Tim Horton and re-victimizes the experience of Kati Moore and others that have experienced sexual abuse.

As defined by California penal code 261.5, sex with a minor (under age 18) is illegal and considered statutory rape. "Rape", by definition, is NEVER consensual. Under the law, Tim Horton raped Kati Moore and he is held responsible for having sex with a minor. This relationship was by no means consensual, and by saying it was, Starbucks is effectively stating its support of Horton once more (since it paid his legal fees in the earlier case where he was convicted of statutory rape) and framing Moore as "wanting it."

Furthermore, in a sexual relationship between a worker and a boss, the boss is the one held accountable in the relationship, because they are in a position of power. Thus, according to the first Supreme Court decision on sexual harassment: "The question is not whether the employee’s conduct was voluntary but whether the boss’s conduct was unwelcome…An employer can be held liable for sexual harassment committed by supervisors if it knew or should have known about the conduct and did nothing to correct it." (Meritor Savings Banks v. Vinson, 477 U.S. 57, 40FEP Cases 1822). Therefore, even if Kati's part in the relationship was "voluntary" the relationship is NOT consensual. Under the law, Kati experienced sexual harassment and assault. Kati herself describes the relationship as coercive, saying she feared for her job. Starbucks is responsible for their inaction, because under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, employers are liable to prevent and stop sexual harassment of their employees.

Therefore, Kati is not responsible for her actions in the eyes of the law, but Horton and Starbucks definitely are responsible.

Starbucks Needs to Seriously Reconsider Its Treatment of Kati and The Way They Deal with Cases of Sexual Harassment.

Whether Kati wins or loses, our main concern as workers is Starbucks' poor treatment of employees who come forward with cases of sexual harassment.

At Starbucks, sexual harassment issues are often joked about. Many who come forward do so through accessing the supposedly confidential "Ethics Hotline" only to have the information spread throughout the store, to get transferred without their consent, or to be told that they are lying. In several instances that we were told in confidence or have experienced as individuals, claims are said to be under investigation but are never discussed again and meanwhile an abused or otherwise violated worker must work alongside their perpetrator. In that time, the worker may experience retaliation for coming forward or be pushed into quitting in order to feel safe. We have even heard of circumstances where perpetrators of sexual harassment at Starbucks who were seen as favorites were promoted in order to have them transferred away from their victim(s).

No one should ever have to choose between their livelihood and their personal safety and well being.

In Kati's case, one could make a decent argument that Starbucks' poor training for managers on sexual harassment is to blame. Regardless of who is at fault for the actual offenses, or for the creation of the environment that made them commonplace at Kati's store, Starbucks is most certainly to blame for their disgusting choice of legal representation. By using Akin Gump, the same law firm that Starbucks employs to attempt to destroy the union organizing efforts of its employees, it becomes abundantly clear how Starbucks feels about their workers. Time and again, Starbucks ferociously defends its fortune and public image at the expense of common decency. "They are trying to defend themselves by calling me a slut," said Kati.. "It's intimidation. It's harassing to sit though deposition and just be re-victimized."

The way Starbucks has defended themselves by insinuating Kati is a slut, she could sue for defamation. When Kati decided to go public with her name and face through an interview with 20/20, Starbucks retaliated by petitioning Federal Judge Anthony J. Guilford to allow her past sexual history to be revealed in court, despite the fact that someone's past sexual history has zero bearing on whether or not they were sexually abused. This blame the victim mentality is unacceptable, especially for a company that spends so much money trying to convince the public that they are "socially responsible."

Shame on Judge Guilford and shame on Starbucks.

Kalen Holmes should step down, or be removed, from the post of Executive V.P. for Partner (Human) Resources.

As current employees at Starbucks, we are disturbed to see how our Executive V.P for Partner Resources, Kalen Holmes, has been conducting herself. We realize that she is the female face that Howard Schultz has chosen to speak through in regards to this case. If you'll notice, the Starbucks CEO so familiar with public appearances, has yet to speak on this matter to the media or his vast number of employees. In a previous statement announcing Holmes' hiring, it was mentioned that she directly reports to Howard Schultz. That said, it is clear where her hurtful words are really coming from...straight from the top of the Starbucks corporate chain. Schultz seems to think that putting a female executive's face to this stream of hateful words will make the public agree with Starbucks' stance. As if a woman blaming another woman's family for her assault and not being raised with good enough values, supposedly, is going to wipe away the clear misogyny of the statements. Holmes doesn't speak of the family of the 24yr old Tim Horton but only of the "choices" of a 16yr old girl. We feel that while Schultz is ultimately to blame for this smear campaign against Kati, it does not excuse Kalen Holmes from always having the choice to act with integrity and refuse to take part in trying to destroy this young woman's life. If it meant losing her job, then we feel she still should have stood on the side of the victimized rather than a CEO and corporation that would rather support a rapist.

What Can You Do to Support Kati and Hold Starbucks Accountable?

- Tell everyone you know about Kati. Feel free to repost this statement or a link to it anywhere you like. We'd appreciate an email to let us know you did. starbucksunion@yahoo.com
- Join the Facebook group, "Kati Moore is a Hero", and show your support for her while receiving updates about the case, and announcements of actions done to support Kati.
- Email Starbucks' Business Ethics department at BusinessConduct@Starbucks.com
- Fill out a comment card, available at Starbucks, mail your thoughts to the company. It's postage paid.
- Call Starbucks customer relations hotline at (800) 235-2883 to voice your support for Kati.

What Can We Do as Workers at Starbucks?

- Fill out a mission review and send Starbucks your thoughts on this
- Help spread the truth to your coworkers. Starbucks is doing the best they can to silence any workers talking about Kati and what she's gone through. You have the right to discuss these issues and can't not be silenced just because they don't want to hear about it.
- Refer coworkers to this statement
- Join the Facebook group in support of Kati - Kati Moore is a Hero
- Stories have been coming in about Baristas putting up notes at work in support of Kati. Some workers have started wearing "Stop Rape" pins on their uniforms. Get creative.
- Stand up for each other. Lend support for your coworker if you know they're going through a similar experience.
- If you've experienced sexual harassment at work and want support, feel free to contact us anytime. Everything will be confidential and we will never do anything in your name without your consent.

Resources for those affected by sexual harassment and/or assault:

* You can call the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network at 1-800-656-HOPE. Your call is free and completely confidential. Also, online at www.rainn.org

* If you are facing sexual harassment at your workplace, Sexual Harassment Support is an excellent resource for fighting back against it. http://www.sexualharassmentsupport.org/

* You can also contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) if your workplace is in the United States. Website: www.eeoc.gov, or by phone, 1-800-669-4000

* If you're in Canada, the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Canada Labour Code protect against harassment in the workplace. Learn more at http://www.chrc-ccdp.ca/

* If you are having a hard time finding resources in your area for support you can email starbucksunion@yahoo.com and we will try to help you with finding local assistance.

Fundraiser for workers a success (GRIID)

2009-12-21T20:01:00.002-05:00

Originally posted on GRIID

Dorsey and various audience members put the following questions to Abe Mwaura.

Q. Prior to getting national publicity, did Republic Window and Doors or local police use any scare tactics to dissuade workers from taking action?

A. Mwaura explained that because the workers had already communicated to their local Chicago alderman that the action would be nonviolent, the police knew what was going on and did not respond on behalf of management. “Management was scared by what we did. We took power away from them. It was our factory for six days. It was clear that we controlled the place.”

Q. Republic Windows and Doors claimed that the reason they were closing was because Bank of America would not extend them a line of credit. Was this the truth?

A. Mwaura explained that this was a lie. The company owner had actually bought a shadow company in Iowa, a Right to Work state where the UE would have less power to organize workers. Having noticed equipment being taken out of their plant, the local in Chicago set up surveillance that confirmed suspicions of an imminent plant closing. Management also stole money to set up the new plant. “Bank of America had been calling these shots since August. They were actually moving the factory. We knew we had to do some fairly radical action to win justice.”

Q. Did you have any other actions planned?

A. “There was no plan B,” Mwaura said. “The national union suggested it (the occupation). Armando, brought the idea back. The executive comittee asked for volunteers. The first workers to volunteer to occupy the plant were women. Nine or ten women offered first. Eventually 30 folks volunteered. When it came down to it. It was unanimous. All 260 folks were going to stay in the factory. They knew they were going to be part of something big.”

Q. What did you do for six days?

A. The six-day occupation was not six days of passing time. Committees worked hard carrying out the extensive tasks of negotiations, security, clean-up, and media relations, to name a few. “There was a real sense of what our leverage was—those windows, doors and machines were our leverage and the bank knew it.” On the weekends, the workers did play a little cards; many of the workers’ children came during evenings and on the weekend. “The probably got a better education that they ever got in school,” Mwaura said.

Q. What was the biggest lesson that the Republic workers taught the labor movement?

A. “It’s possible to take radical steps and win.”

Q. Republic workers had good publicity and political support. How possible would their success have been without that support?

A. “It would have been hard, but we weren’t relying on that support. Our leverage was the stuff in the factory. When you’re out of a job, you don’t have your leverage. Our labor was they millions of windows and doors in that factory,” Mwaura said. “If the tactic is to be used, you have to build alliances before you can do that type of action.”

Q. What are you working on now?

A. UE is mounting a movement to organize warehouse workers in the Chicago area. Armando is now president of the new local, “Warehouse Workers for Justice.” “This is a sector of the economy where we could build power,” Mwaura said.

Many warehouse workers in the Chicago are, which is the third largest container port in the world, work in dangerous sweatshop conditions for as little as $2 an hour. Others are not paid for hours worked or are paid in split paychecks that avoid payment of overtime rates. Racial and gender discrimination runs rampant, especially against pregnant workers.

Mwaura used an analogy of a huge elephant obediently tethered by a weak chain. The chain has been there so long that the elephant does not realize it can break it and run free. “We need to take that psychological chain off from our minds and see the power that we really have. UE believes in leadership development through struggle. A year after the occupation, that’s the piece that’ s missing—organizing that helps workers break that chain.”

Benefit for Factory Workers (The Rapidian)

2009-12-21T19:54:00.001-05:00

Originally posted on The Rapidian

A year ago this December, workers at the Republic Windows and Doors Factory in Chicago, Illinois were informed by management that the factory would be closing in three days and they would receive no severance or vacation pay. Rather than just accept this illegal action, the workers with the help of their union, the United Electrical Radio and Machine Workers, decided to occupy the factory. After six days of negotiations with the company's creditors, the workers won their pay.
On Saturday night here in Grand Rapids, The Bloom Collective and the Grand Rapids chapter of the Industrial Workers of the World sponsored a benefit at the Kent Ionia Labor Hall to raise money for the workers and the UE union who are currently engaged in organizing similar actions.
A documentary on the factory occupation was shown and UE organizer Abe Mwaura held a question and answer session from Chicago via Skype.
Event and local IWW organizer Cole Dorsey was also on hand. Dorsey said this is an important issue because “Workers can take an example from the sit-downers because workers hands are tied when they rely solely on legal means.”
Following the question and answer session, local band Chance Jones performed for close to an hour. Lead singer Josh Burge said “We [Chance Jones] support working people. That's who we are.”
According to the IWW Facebook page, the event raised over $440 for the workers.

Steamed Baristas Shut Down Fort Worth Starbucks Drive-Thru, Demand Affordable Healthcare and Paid Sick Days for those with H1N1

2009-12-20T21:32:00.001-05:00

December 18, 2009

Steamed Baristas Shut Down Fort Worth Starbucks Drive-Thru to Demand Affordable Healthcare and Paid Sick Days for those Diagnosed with H1N1

Press Conference: December 18, 12:00 noon, 8th and W. Rosedale Starbucks, Fort Worth

Fort Worth, TX- Baristas and community supporters at the 8th and Rosedale Starbucks shut down the store’s drive-thru this morning and delivered a list of demands including affordable health care options and sick days for those displaying H1N1 or other cold and flu symptoms. Starbucks doubled the cost of the company health insurance plan in September, leaving many workers unable to afford treatment because of sky-high deductibles and premiums.

“We’ve had enough. Baristas should not be forced to expose customers to H1N1 or other contagions and stay sick longer, just in order to be able to make the money they need to support their families and pay astronomical health care costs. We’re making $7.30/hr., that’s a nickel above minimum wage,” said IWW Barista Michelle Cahill.

The protesting baristas are members of the Starbucks Workers Union, which is an international campaign of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) labor union. The store action makes the 8th and Rosedale location the first Starbucks in Texas to have a public union presence.

Baristas decided to move toward unionization after many workers were forced to continue working while displaying intense H1N1 and other flu symptoms, enhancing the likelihood of spreading the flu virus. The baristas are demanding that those who display H1N1 or other cold and flu symptoms be excused from work with pay to avoid exposing customers to Swine Flu.

Casey Keeling, another union barista at the store, said, “Watching our coworkers be forced to serve customers while they were sick with H1N1 was the last straw. Something needs to change- in our workplace and in this country. We have decided to form a union to fight for affordable health insurance, paid sick days, a fair wage, and secure work hours. And they could at least give us a first aid kit for the store.”

While portraying itself as a ‘socially-responsible’ employer, all of Starbucks' retail hourly workers in the U.S. are part-time employees with no guaranteed number of work hours per week. According to Starbucks figures released to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 40.9% of its employees (including managers) are covered by the company health care package, a lower percentage than the oft-criticized Wal-Mart, which insures 47% of its workforce.

Since the launch of the IWW campaign at Starbucks on May 17, 2004, the company has been cited multiple times for illegal union-busting by the National Labor Relations Board. The company settled numerous complaints against it and a judge's guilty verdict on more than 30 additional rights’ violations was recently upheld on appeal by the Board in D.C. Starbucks’ large anti-union operation is headed by CEO Howard Schultz and operated in conjunction with the Akin Gump law firm and the Edelman public relations firm.

The IWW Starbucks Workers Union is a grassroots organization of over 300 current and former employees at the world's largest coffee chain united for secure work hours and a living wage. The union has members throughout the United States and Canada fighting for systemic change at the company and remedying individual grievances with management.

Union baristas, bussers, and shift supervisors have fought successfully toward improved scheduling and staffing levels, increased wages, and workplace safety. Workers who join the union have immediate access to co-workers and members of the community who will struggle with them for a better life on the job.

###

Republic Sit-Downers Fundraiser: Movie about occupation, Q&A with participants, live music Chance Jones Dec. 19 7pm

2009-12-18T19:40:00.001-05:00

Republic Sit-Downers Fundraiser in Grand Rapids December 19th

2009-12-01T20:58:00.002-05:00

7pm Film - Hasta La Victoria (Until the Victory) followed by
discussion with UE members and workers who participated in the
Republic Windows and Doors occupation in December of 2008.

9pm - Live music with Chance Jones

Tickets are $5 or $10 All proceeds go to sit-downers

Kent-Ionia Labor Hall 918 Benjamin NE

Sponsored by Industrial Workers of the World (Grand Rapids) and the Bloom Collective

IWW Union Members Act in Solidarity with Workers Fired from Bissell Warehouse

2009-11-27T17:46:00.002-05:00

Originally posted on Grand Rapids Institute for Information Democracy

Picket Kohl's on Black Friday in Solidarity with Fired Warehouse Workers

2009-11-22T21:04:00.003-05:00

Fired Workers Website here

Join Us on Black Friday:
November 27 1pm
Kohl's (Alpine) 745 Center Drive, Walker, MI‎

Bissell’s Dirty Secret: Workers Protest Bissell Warehouse in Response to Mass Firing

2009-11-10T05:50:00.000-05:00

We recently received word from the labor organizers in Chicago about the unjust action taken against workers at a Bissell warehouse just outside of Chicago.

Employees at the Bissell warehouse near Joliet, arrived to work at 6am today only to be informed they were all fired, but not before they trained their replacements.

Workers were fired en masse after filing legal complaints and charges last week over the many violations of state and federal law in the warehouse. On Thursday October 29th workers notified management that they had formed a union.

“This company has no respect for our rights. We will fight to force Bissell and Maersk to follow the law and treat workers with dignity,” said Anthony Bailey a forklift driver at the Bissell facility. “I will not accept losing my job because I stood up for my rights.”

The warehouse has been using an unregistered temporary employment agency that had systematically violated many state and federal laws, including paying some workers less than minimum wage.

Workers also cited racial discrimination, unpaid wages and threats of retaliation for bringing these issues to management’s attention.

The Bissell warehouse, managed by Maersk Logistics, opened in January 2009 and is part of the expanding distribution industry in Chicago’s suburbs. It supplies Bissell vacuum cleaners to big box retailers including Walmart and Target.

Today in Grand Rapids, 5 people in solidarity with the fired warehouse workers delivered a letter to the CEO of Bissell to express their opposition with the treatment of workers. The letter read in part:

bissell 1

As you should know, it is illegal to retaliate against employees for filing complaints under federal and state laws. These workers have lost their jobs after exposing unlawful practices at your warehouse and in fact may have been retaliated against for exercising their legal rights. As members of the Grand Rapids community, we hold Bissell accountable for worker abuse and sweatshop conditions in your supply chain. We urge you to retain all of the workers, many of whom have worked at your facility since it opened in January.

The Bissell CEO refused to meet with people from the community, but they were told an assistant would meet with them. After a 5-minute wait someone did come down to talk with the group and listen to their object to the treatment of workers in the Bissell warehouse. The person said that they would give the letter to the CEO, but could not answer any of the questions asked, because he was just “a security guard” for the company. So, not only would the CEO refused to speak to people, the secretarial staff deceived the community members by sending a security guard to speak with them.

Organized Protest

However, the efforts to pressure Bissell have just begun and the community members present, in conjunction with the Chicago labor organizers, are calling for a protest at the Bissell facilities located at 2345 Walker NW in Grand Rapids.

This Wednesday, November 11 beginning at 4pm, people will gather with signs in solidarity with the workers who were fired from the Bissell warehouse outside of Chicago. Please help us spread the word and consider joining the protest.

Starbucks loses three of four items it appealed to National Labor Relations Board

2009-11-06T01:55:00.002-05:00

The Seattle Times

by Melissa Allison

The National Labor Relations Board overturned one of the four items that Starbucks appealed from a decision that an NLRB administrative-law judge made against the company last December.

The decision involved stores in New York, where the judge said work rules were unfairly imposed on employees who supported the union. The coffee chain was ordered to give back jobs to three former workers and compensate them for lost earnings. The company also must post notices informing employees of their labor-organizing rights.

Starbucks appealed four of the judge's numerous decisions, including the ones involving the three discharged workers and a decision against its policy allowing employees to wear only one union button while they're working.

In a ruling on Oct. 30, the NLRB stood behind the judge's decisions on three of the issues up for appeal but agreed with Starbucks that Isis Saenz, who was discharged in October 2006 from her job as a barista in Starbucks' 57th Street store, should not be given back her job.

The board upheld the judge's decision regarding former barista Daniel Gross, an organizer for the Industrial Workers of the World's Starbucks Union. "It's a tremendous victory," Gross said of the board's decision. "It's a big boost to our members all over the country and to new baristas, who we're talking to every day."

Starbucks released a statement saying it is reviewing the ruling to determine its next steps. "While we are pleased with the portion of the ruling in our favor, we are concerned with other parts of the decision and will explore an appeal," the statement said.

Republic Windows and Doors Sit-Downers Tour

2009-10-15T19:40:00.001-04:00

Justice for Aizze! Defend an Immigrant Worker Unfairly Victimized by Starbucks

2009-08-13T21:09:00.001-04:00

Ask anyone and they’ll tell you that Aizze was the best barista at the Snelling & Selby Starbucks in St. Paul, MN. She knew every regular’s drink and could make a latte in 28 seconds. She has 20 MUG awards for her job performance, and was never written up in her two years of service, nor was her till ever ‘over’ or ‘short.’ Her coworkers and customers loved her; they called her ‘Aizze’ (pronounced ‘Ozzie’), short for Azmera. This description is in the past tense because Starbucks wrongfully fired Aizze on July 8, 2009. Starbucks management accused her of theft, although they themselves ADMIT that they have no video or other evidence to support their accusation.

Adding insult to injury, Saint Paul District Manager Claire Gallagher took advantage of Aizze’s limited English abilities and bullied and manipulated her into signing a promissory note saying she would pay Starbucks the arbitrarily- determined amount of $1200. Acting through the notoriously anti-worker law firm Olonoff, Asen & Serebro,. LLP, Starbucks has since sent Aizze a letter threatening to send their baseless claim to a collections agency.

Azmera is not a thief. An immigrant from Ethiopia, Azmera has been a citizen of the U.S. for the past ten years. She has worked at Starbucks for the past two years. Together with her husband, a Taxi driver, Azmera is the proud mother of three young children. Aizze is an honest, deeply religious woman who loves her job and works hard to care for her family.

How did this happen?
On July 8, 2009, Aizze was told to sit in the back room at the end of her shift, alone with St. Paul District Manager Claire Gallagher. For almost two hours, she was not allowed to leave, and no other workers were allowed to enter. The DM made a conference call with “Partner & Asset Protection” Manager Chris Vanderhoof and together they began to interrogate Aizze. When Aizze informed her interrogators that she did not understand what they were saying, they just repeated the same words over and over. Aizze was not offered an interpreter. She was told that if she didn’t sign the promissory note, they would call the police and have her arrested. Thinking of her children, she signed the paper. Her interrogators told her flatly that they had no proof or video of her stealing money, yet they accused her of theft. Aizze never stole. If there was change someone didn’t want from a transaction, Aizze put it in the tip jar, but she never, ever stole.

Why Aizze?
We can only speculate on why Aizze was targeted, but one thing is clear: Starbucks thinks they can get away with victimizing her because she is an immigrant and a non-native English speaker.

What You Can Do To Help
We all have a responsibility to stand up for the most vulnerable amongst us. We will not sit idly by while Starbucks management victimizes one who has come to this country seeking a better life. We demand immediate reinstatement, the immediate nullification of the promissory note, and an apology to Aizze. Justice must be done for Aizze and all workers.

DEMAND JUSTICE, Call:
Regional Vice President SUMI GOSH at 312-342-8701
Regional Director DIMITRI HATZIGEORGIOU at 312-731-8909
St. Paul District Manager CLAIRE GALLAGHER at 651-260-5079

IWW Starbucks Union Condemns Starbucks Doubling Health Insurance Costs

2009-08-02T09:22:00.000-04:00

July 28, 2009

IWW Starbucks Union Condemns Starbucks Doubling Health Insurance Costs Health Coverage Cuts Come Amidst Soaring Profits

Starbucks, amid massive profits, announced on Monday that it will slash at employee health care benefits. The company announced that premiums for its most economical employee health care package will nearly double, along with across the board increases in out-of-pocket expenses. This slap in the face to workers comes just one week after the announcement of $256 million in profits for the quarter, far exceeding internal and Wall Street expectations.

These cuts are an insult to Starbucks workers, and the thousands of workers who have been laid off in the last year. The increased costs of health benefits will be a barrier to many workers thinking of enrolling, forcing them to make the hard decision between health care coverage and feeding their families.

We expect more from Starbucks as a leading Fortune 500 company that builds its brand image on its treatment of its "partners", what it calls employees. Starbucks has a responsibility to provide affordable, quality healthcare to its workers, who are responsible for its enormous profits. Instead, Starbucks continues to use health care benefits as a marketing tool, while actually covering a lower percentage of its workforce than the notoriously unethical Wal-Mart.

Starbucks has repeatedly shown that it cannot be trusted to compensate us fairly. We believe as workers we must organize together to hold Starbucks accountable, and give us the respect and dignity we deserve.

About the IWW Starbucks Workers Union:

The IWW Starbucks Workers Union is an organization of over 300 current and former employees at the world's largest coffee chain united for secure work hours, a living wage, and respect on the job. The union has members throughout the United States and Canada, fighting for positive change at the company and defending baristas treated unfairly by management.

IWW Protest Challenges Starbucks Unionbusting (GRIID)

2009-07-26T12:48:00.002-04:00

Grand Rapids Institute for Information Democracy

by Jeff Smith (GRIID)

On Saturday, the Grand Rapids chapter of the IWW held an informational picket outside of Starbucks in East Grand Rapids. The video below includes comments from IWW organizers Cole Dorsey and Erik Foreman, a short march through East Grand Rapids and police who were called to harass those protesting.

Dozens of local news media outlets were contacted about this protest, but only the Grand Rapids Press and WOOD TV8 showed up. However, as of Sunday morning, channel 8 had not posted anything on their website about the IWW action, instead they featured a 2-day event outside of one of the downtown bars that included trampoline demonstrations.

Former Starbucks employees hold protest outside Gaslight Village location in support of barista fired for trying to start union

2009-07-26T12:41:00.001-04:00

by Kyla King | The Grand Rapids Press
Photos by Kyla King

A protest outside the Gaslight Village Starbucks on Saturday.

EAST GRAND RAPIDS -- Former Starbucks Corp. workers who say the company fired a barista in East Grand Rapids for attempting to organize a union held an informational protest Saturday outside the coffee chain's location in Gaslight Village.
Cole DorseyErik Foreman

A group of about 15 people gathered outside the entrance at 4:30 p.m. holding signs and banners and occasionally chanting pro-union slogans. They claimed to passers-by that the Seattle-based coffee chain engages in unfair labor practices.

The group was joined by former East Grand Rapids employee, Cole Dorsey, a member of the Industrial Workers of the World union, who was fired in June 2008. Dorsey said he has been trying to get reinstated since the company settled a complaint in January with the National Labor Relations Board made on his behalf.

Cole, who is unemployed, said he still wants his job back and for other workers to have a stable work schedule and be given enough hours to qualify for health benefits.

"We should be able to have our rights not trampled on," Cole said.

Media representatives from Starbucks Corp. did not return a telephone call and email from The Press.

Erik Foreman, a union member who said he is a barista at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minn., said he came out to support Cole and Starbucks employees in Quebec who recently joined the union. Foreman said Starbucks workers should be paid a living wage and have guaranteed hours.

"A lot of (baristas) struggle to pay their bills," Foreman said. "We're not the only workers that think America needs a raise...especially because increasingly these are the only jobs out there."

E-mail Kyla King: kking@grpress.com

Protest Starbucks! July 25 4:30 p.m. EGR Starbucks

2009-07-10T13:11:00.003-04:00

click on flyer

Fire Your Boss! Organizer Training July 25-26 NEW LOCATION!!

2009-07-03T17:59:00.011-04:00

NEW LOCATION:
CWA Union Hall 131 Caledonia NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505

click on flyer

Avenue for the Arts Market July 11th

2009-07-01T22:54:00.000-04:00

2009-06-30T19:56:00.001-04:00

Rescind 06302000

What do Starbucks and Walmart have in common?

2009-05-23T21:01:00.002-04:00

Brave New Films has launched a new campaign confronting Starbucks union busting. It is called Stop Starbucks. This is a commercial they have made for the campaign.

Starbucks Health Care Policy is Sickening

2009-05-23T21:00:00.001-04:00

Grand Rapids IWW now on Twitter

2009-05-23T21:00:00.000-04:00

Follow the Grand Rapids IWW here:
http://twitter.com/griww

Video of "Starbucks Union Members Speak" February 21st 2009

2009-04-03T13:11:00.005-04:00

We would again like to thank the NorthStar Center and Solidarity and Defense for hosting this event. Also, to Tom Rico for taping.
Check out the Twin Cities blog here.

The panelists are Cole Dorsey (Grand Rapids SWU), Erik Forman (Twin Cities SWU), Angel Gardner (Twin Cities SWU).
Each panelist described their specific experience at Starbucks and then there was a Question and Answer session. The clips will be shown in reverse order starting with the questions.

Q & A at Starbucks Union Members Speak

Angel Gardner Minnesota SWU Member

Erik Forman Minnesota SWU Member

Cole Dorsey Michigan SWU Member

SWU Members Speak - February 21st, 4pm NorthStar Center

2009-02-11T19:23:00.004-05:00

Erik Forman (Twin Cities SWU) and Cole Dorsey (Grand Rapids SWU) speak about the Starbucks organizing drive and its relevancy to the labor movement.

MIOSHA Trial Date

2009-01-30T00:22:00.002-05:00

State Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules
Ottawa State Office Building 2nd Floor
611 West Ottawa St.
Lansing, Michigan
9:00 a.m.
March 23, 2009

Starbucks Settles ULP Charges Over Firing, But Union Refuses to Sign [BNA]

2009-01-24T16:42:00.000-05:00

Bureau of National Affairs, Inc.
January 22, 2009

Starbucks Settles ULP Charges Over Firing At Michigan Store, But Union Refuses
to Sign

A National Labor Relations Board regional director in Detroit Jan. 16 approved
a settlement agreement with Starbucks Corp. resolving allegations of unfair
labor practices by the Starbucks Workers Union (SWU), an affiliate of the
Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), filed with NLRB Region
7 (Starbucks Corp.
d/b/a Starbucks
Coffee Co., N.L.R.B. Reg. Dir., No. 7-CA-51190, settlement
approved 1/16/09).

The NLRB regional office in Detroit had found sufficient evidence to establish
an employer violation of the National Labor Relations Act at a Starbucks store
in Grand Rapids, Mich., according to Stephen Glasser, NLRB regional director for
Region 7.

The Grand Rapids Starbucks Workers Union (SWU) filed several charges April 15,
one of which NLRB found to be a possible violation of the act. On behalf of
fired worker Cole Dorsey, SWU claimed Starbucks illegally fired a worker who had
been involved in union activities.

Glasser said NLRB concluded there was sufficient evidence to establish Dorsey
was fired for his union activities and support for the union. “We thought we
could prove that,” he told BNA Jan. 9. Starbucks had said it fired Dorsey for
attendance issues,
Glasser
said.
Reinstatement Not Required.

Under the settlement, reached one day before a trial was to be held, Starbucks
will expunge record of the termination from the employee's personnel file
and will post a notice for 60 days at the Grand Rapids, Mich., store outlining
employees' rights under the NLRA.

Under the settlement, Starbucks is not required to reinstate the employee or
issue back pay. Although the union had sought Dorsey's reinstatement, NLRB
determined that it would not be appropriate, Glasser said.

NLRB would not agree to allow a denial of company wrongdoing in the settlement,
but that does not mean Starbucks admits to wrongdoing, Glasser told BNA Jan. 21.

The union issued a statement Jan. 13 saying it is pleased the board found that
“Starbucks violated federal labor law by
firing” Dorsey. However, “since
the SWU prefers open trials to settlements and because Mr. Dorsey was
not
awarded the full array of remedies we believe he is entitled to, the union will
not be joining the agreement between Starbucks and the NLRB.”

SWU said Dorsey is “an outspoken union member working with his co-workers to
achieve secure work hours and fairness on the job.”

Glasser approved the settlement without a signature of a union representative
after the union declined to sign the settlement.

The union does not intend to appeal the settlement to the NLRB office in
Washington, D.C., Daniel Gross, an IWW organizer and former Starbucks employee,
said Jan. 21.

Among the charges SWU filed in April, the union also claimed Starbucks had
violated an earlier settlement agreement of unfair labor practice charges
reached in October 2007
(195 DLR A-5, 10/10/07). In that settlement agreement,
the employer said it will not interrogate employees about union activities or
restrain, coerce, or
interfere with employee rights under the NLRA.

Dorsey told BNA Jan. 9 that if the case had gone to trial, the union would have
been able to raise other issues as evidence. Dorsey maintained that he was fired
for filing a safety report with the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health
Administration about employees' hazardous mold concerns as the result of an
air conditioner leak at the store. Dorsey said Starbucks lawyers had
interrogated him about a meeting with MIOSHA.

In a Jan. 21 statement, Starbucks said, “We feel vindicated as the agreement
does not require reinstatement of or back pay to a partner whose termination we
believe was appropriate.”
Earlier Developments.

The settlement in
Grand Rapids is the latest incident involving SWU claims of
anti-union practices at Starbucks.

In December, an NLRB administrative law judge found Starbucks had violated
workers' rights by restricting
activity on behalf of SWU and by firing three
workers because of their support for the labor organization (249 DLR A-1,
12/30/08). Gross was one of the three workers the ALJ found was fired for his
union support.

In October, Starbucks settled NLRB charges of unfair labor practices by
reinstating an employee in Minneapolis, providing back pay, and removing record
of the discipline from his personnel records (195 DLR A-9, 10/8/08). The alleged
unfair labor practice allegations in Minneapolis that NLRB determined to be
meritorious were related to concerted, protected activities, but not to union
activities.

In March 2006, Starbucks and IWW Industrial Union 660 reached a settlement in
New York of unfair labor practice charges alleging that two workers were
discharged for engaging in protected union activity (47 DLR A-2, 3/10/06).

Copyright 2009, The Bureau of National Affairs,
Inc

Starbucks Cowers to the IWW

2009-01-08T22:59:00.002-05:00

Media Statement delivered January 7:
Faced with the prospect of losing another trial in front of the National Labor Relations Board the Regional Director has agreed to let Starbucks settle the charges against them and forego the trial that was to begin today. The union is upset that the Board is agreeing to accept another Starbucks settlement in Grand Rapids instead of holding them accountable in open court. If this most recent settlement is approved it will be 3rd one allowed by the board in Grand Rapids. With the signing of each settlement Starbucks has said they would end their anti-union intimidation and each time it has continued unabated. We can be sure it will continue which is why union membership is so vital.

Had the trial gone on here today in Grand Rapids we would have detailed the same type of union busting activity that Starbucks was found guilty of a couple weeks ago in New York. Internal communications would have been admitted into evidence showing upper management discussions about union organizing in Grand Rapids and speculation about barista's union sympathies. The same type of surveillance and monitoring that was going on in New York. Also, Starbucks selectively enforced the attendance policy, scheduled baristas based on their union sympathies, and gave me less in raises because of my union affiliation. Based on the evidence that would have been presented its unbelievable that Howard Schultz doesn't have knowledge of the huge anti-union operation in place at Starbucks. Its possible hes directing the whole operation.

On July 5th of last year there was a Global Day of Action against Starbucks called by the Grand Rapids Starbucks Workers Union and the Seville (Spain) CNT. The Day of Action was called after Monica was fired from a Starbucks in Seville and I was fired here in Grand Rapids. Over 200 Starbucks were picketed in over 80 cities in 20 countries. We have a message from the CNT with an update of Monica's situation.

"In Sevilla (Spain), the CNT has forced Starbucks to recognise the unfairness of the dissmissal of our organizer Monica. The company compensated the worker with a severance of 45 days per year as the Spanish labor laws mandates. After the global day of action, groups of workers have gotten in touch with CNT in order to join the union and organize within Starbucks. From the Local Federation of Sevilla of CNT we send our greetings to Cole Dorsey and other members of the SWU. The CNT and the IWA will respond to all the international calls for solidarity against Starbucks or other multinational coporations. We will not allow the anti-union policy of such corporations."

There is still a MIOSHA determination that has to be resolved. MIOSHA also concluded that Starbucks wrongfully terminated me. A date will be set for a trial on those charges so we may still get our day in court.

The important lesson of this process has been how important my union membership is. Had I not been a union member and Starbucks illegally fired me I would have just been fired. I happily pay my union dues every month because I know the power I have as a union member can't be produced on my own. The strength of solidarity that we have in the Starbucks Workers Union has produced positive results in every city that Starbucks has discriminated against IWW members. That is why virtually every day baristas join the Starbucks Workers Union. As Starbucks cuts labor hours for baristas nationally the only way we can combat the growing assault on our jobs is the collective direct action through the union. The economy is sinking because of corporate wrongdoing and the only way we will stop the trend and reverse the tide is through our solidarity on the job.

We have another union victory and there will be many more in the future!

Starbucks to settle NLRB case in Michigan

2009-01-07T19:44:00.001-05:00

Wednesday January 7,
Starbucks to settle National Labor Relations case in Michigan, avoids trial

NEW YORK (AP) -- Starbucks Corp. said Wednesday it will settle a dispute with the National Labor Relations Board over a Michigan barista who said he was fired for participating in union activities.
The settlement allows Starbucks to avoid an administrative trial that was scheduled to begin today.

Starbucks spokeswoman Tara Darrow said the company is working to finalize the settlement. She said Starbucks was approached by the NLRB Tuesday with a request to work out an agreement.

In a complaint filed by the Detroit office of the NLRB in September, Cole Dorsey -- a Starbucks barista in Grand Rapids, Mich. -- said he received warnings and then was fired because of his "sympathies for and activities on behalf of" the Industrial Workers of the World, a union that has been attempting to gain a foothold at the gourmet coffee retailer.

He was fired eight months after the IWW and Starbucks settled another complaint at the Grand Rapids store. As part of that settlement, Starbucks agreed to post notices on bulletin boards advising employees of their right to join a union.

Starbucks said it fired Dorsey for being late.

Starbucks shares fell 23 cents, or 2.3 percent, to close at $9.99.

Grand Rapids Starbucks Union vs. Starbucks; Trial Starts Wednesday!

2009-01-03T02:03:00.001-05:00

AFTER A CRUSHING DEFEAT IN NEW YORK WATCH STARBUCKS ATTEMPT TO DODGE CHARGES IN GRAND RAPIDS!

PACK THE COURTROOM FOR BARISTA RIGHTS!

What:

A trial against Starbucks at the National Labor Relations Board over the wrongful termination of an IWW barista. The proceedings are open to the public.

Who:

Starbucks baristas, supporters from the IWW, the community, and Starbucks management officials.

The IWW Starbucks Workers Union will be represented by attorney Rodger Webb of Webb, Englehardt, and Fernandes.

Starbucks will be represented by David Khorey and Kelly Stoppels of Varnum, Riddering, Schmidt, and Howlett.

The NLRB attorney on the case is Brad Howell.

Why:

Starbucks' is preparing to fight its second trial against Unfair Labor Practices. Last week, in an 88 page decision, an administrative law judge found, among other things, that Starbucks maintained multiple policies which interfered with workers' right to communicate about the union and about working conditions; terminated three workers in retaliation for union activity; and repeatedly discriminated against union supporters.

After an investigation triggered by charges from the IWW in Grand Rapids, the Labor Board hit Starbucks with a complaint alleging the illegal termination of an employee for union activity.The barista firing at issue in the case resulted in solidarity actions from around the world. Now Starbucks will have to answer for its illegal acts in open court, again!

Despite the fierce anti-union campaign by the world's largest fast-food coffee outlet, baristas around the country continue to join the IWW Starbucks Workers Union to pressure the company on issues of concern including insecure work hours, poverty wages, and unaffordable health care.

Background on the complaint for which Starbucks will stand trial: "Starbucks faces another NLRB complaint", by
Lauren Shepherd for the Associated Press, available online

When:

Starting Wednesday, January 7th at 10am

Thursday, January 8th 10am

(possibly) Friday, January 9th 10am

Where:
NLRB Region 7 at the Federal Building. David L. Basso Hearing Room, 82 Ionia 3rd Floor in Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Press Conference 930am January 7th in front of 82 Ionia

2009-01-02T09:08:00.001-05:00

interrogationsettl082

Publish at Scribd or explore others:

Judge Finds Against Starbucks for Illegal Union Busting; Grand Rapids NLRB Trial January 7

2008-12-27T12:05:00.003-05:00

The IWW Scores Big Victory Over Global Coffee Chain

New York, NY (Dec. 23, 2008)- Following a lengthy trial here last year, a National Labor Relations Board judge has found Starbucks guilty of extensive violations of federal labor law in its bid to counter the IWW Starbucks Workers Union. In an 88-page decision, Judge Mindy E. Landow found, among other things, that Starbucks maintained multiple policies which interfered with workers' right to communicate about the union and about working conditions; terminated three workers in retaliation for union activity; and repeatedly discriminated against union supporters. The decision comes despite a 2006 New York settlement in which Starbucks pledged to stop illegal anti-union activities and mirrors federal government action against the company for its conduct toward baristas in Minnesota and Michigan.

"The judge's decision coupled with previous government findings expose Starbucks for what it is --- a union-busting corporation that will go to staggering lengths to interfere with the right to freedom of association," said Daniel Gross, a barista and member of the IWW Starbucks Workers Union found to have been unlawfully terminated by the coffee giant. "In these trying economic times of mass layoffs and slashed work hours, it's more important than ever that Starbucks and every corporation is confronted with a social movement that insists on the right to an independent voice on the job."

The Board decision is the latest blow against a company that has experienced a stunning fall from grace. From a precipitous decrease in customer demand to its increasingly tattered socially responsible image, the myriad of challenges facing Starbucks has resulted in the company losing over half its value from just a year ago. The decision also represents a significant victory for the IWW Starbucks Workers Union which continues to grow across the country with baristas taking creative and determined actions to improve the security of works hours and win respect on the job. Starbucks faces another Labor Board trial next month in Grand Rapids, Michigan over illegal union-busting.

"For the first time, a judge has confirmed the existence of a nationally coordinated anti-union operation at Starbucks," said Stuart Lichten, the attorney for the IWW Starbucks Workers Union in the case. "This decision conclusively establishes Starbucks' animosity toward labor organizing."

The union is confident that Judge Landow's copiously documented and well-reasoned 88-page decision will be upheld by the National Labor Relations Board in Washington, D.C. should Starbucks appeal. The victory is sure to be gratifying for the union's international supporters who conducted spirited global days of action in defense of Isis Saenz, Joe Agins, Jr., and Daniel Gross after their terminations which the Board has now found to be unlawful.

The National Labor Relations Board attorneys on the case were Burt Pearlstone and Audrey Eveillard. The union's attorney Stuart Lichten is a partner at Schwartz, Licthen & Bright, a prominent New York City labor law firm. Starbucks was represented by union-avoidance lawyers Daniel Nash, Stacey Eisenstein, and Nicole Morgan at corporate firm Akin Gump.

The IWW Starbucks Workers Union (StarbucksUnion.org) is an organization of almost 300 current and former Starbucks employees united for a living wage, secure work hours, and respect on the job. Founded in 2004, the union uses direct action, litigation, and advocacy to both make systemic improvements at Starbucks and take on the company over unfair treatment of individual baristas.

The Industrial Workers of the World (iww.org) is a rank and file labor union dedicated to democracy in the workplace and global solidarity.

January 7 10 am
NLRB Region 7 at the Federal Building. David L. Basso Hearing Room, 82 Ionia in Grand Rapids, 3rd Floor.

Twin Cities Baristas Spill the Beans in New Blog

2008-12-27T11:57:00.001-05:00

Starbucks Workers Union Invites Public to 'Look Behind the Brand

Blog: http://tcsbuxunion.com

Minneapolis, MN-- the Starbucks Workers Union announced today that Twin Cities Baristas have launched a new blog to document their struggle against poverty wages, inconsistent scheduling, and job insecurity at the world's largest coffee chain.

Union Barista Aaron Kocher said, "This is the blog that Howard Schultz doesn't want you to read. As Starbucks' overpaid executives gut the company to feed greedy investors, we will bring the truth behind the brand into the public eye."

The blog, accessible at http://tcsbuxunion.com, will provide an inside look at working conditions at Starbucks, keeping the public abreast of Starbucks' vicious attempts to thwart worker unionization amidst deteriorating working conditions.

Health and Safety Agency Finds Against Starbucks in Michigan

2008-12-08T05:57:00.000-05:00

Coffee Giant Must Reinstate Barista With Backpay

Grand Rapids, MI (12/08/2008)- The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration has found after trial that Starbucks unlawfully terminated a barista here in retaliation for filing a safety complaint. The barista, a member of the IWW Starbucks Workers Union, was retaliated against after complaining about the effects of a perennially leaking roof. The MIOSHA determination comes less than a month before embattled Starbucks faces a trial in Grand Rapids at the National Labor Relations Board over anti-union retaliation.

"Two federal agencies are holding Starbucks accountable in Grand Rapids for wantonly trampling employee rights. Without the IWW Starbucks Workers Union they may have gotten away with it," said Cole Dorsey, the fired barista and union member.

The Michigan litigation comes on the heels of a recent settlement Starbucks signed with the NLRB in Minnesota. In that instance they re-instated a barista who was wrongfully terminated for union activity and agreed to desist illegal anti-union activity. The company and union are awaiting a judge’s decision in New York after a 2007 trial on over 30 counts of unlawful union-busting.

The IWW Starbucks Workers Union is a grassroots organization of over 200 current and former employees at the world's largest coffee chain united for secure work hours and a living wage. The union has members throughout the United States fighting for systemic change at the company and remedying individual grievances with management. The SWU has been especially active in New York City, Chicago, the Twin Cities, and Grand Rapids.

Union baristas, bussers, and shift supervisors have fought successfully toward improved scheduling and staffing levels, increased wages, and workplace safety. Workers who join the union have immediate access to co-workers and members of the community who will struggle with them for a better life on the job.

###

Starbucks faces another NLRB complaint (AP)

2008-10-06T22:35:00.000-04:00

By LAUREN SHEPHERD

NEW YORK (AP) — Starbucks Corp. is facing another complaint from the National Labor Relations Board alleging that the gourmet coffee chain engaged in unfair labor practices by firing a barista in Michigan.

The complaint, filed last month by the Detroit office of the NLRB, stems from an investigation into a charge made by employee Cole Dorsey earlier this year.

According to the NLRB complaint, Dorsey — a member of the Industrial Workers of the World union at Starbucks — was fired June 6 from his job at a store in Grand Rapids, Mich. Before being fired, Dorsey had been given two prior disciplinary warnings by his store manager.

The complaint alleges that Dorsey received the warnings and was fired because of his "sympathies for and activities on behalf of" the IWW Starbucks Workers Union. The union has been attempting to organize workers at the chain.

"We have reasonable cause to believe there may be a violation here when Starbucks terminated" Dorsey, said Stephen Glasser, regional director at the Detroit NLRB office.

The NLRB is requesting Starbucks re-hire Dorsey, compensate him for loss of wages, rescind the disciplinary warnings and post notices in the store saying workers have the right to unionize.

Starbucks has until Oct. 14 to formally respond to the complaint. If the company does not settle the case, it will go to trial in front of an administrative law judge on Nov. 20.

In a statement, Starbucks said Dorsey was fired after he was more than 30 minutes late to work. The disciplinary notices, the company said, were also related to tardiness.

The company said the charge that his firing was due to union activity is "without merit."

Starbucks also noted that the NLRB dismissed several charges made in Dorsey's case, including that the company encouraged co-workers to investigate Dorsey and did not allow employees to post union-related notices on the company bulletin board.

The latest dustup with the NLRB follows the settlement of a case last week. In that case, the NLRB filed a complaint after a Starbucks employee in Minnesota, Erik Forman, said he was fired for promoting union activity.

Starbucks, which fired Forman after he was 30 minutes late to work, later reversed its decision and re-hired him, saying his firing was "ill-considered." As part of the settlement, it also paid him for lost wages and posted a notice on his store's bulletin board affirming the rights of workers.

That was the chain's third settlement of an NLRB complaint alleging that it was attempting to dissuade employees from joining a union.

Starbucks has had a somewhat contentious relationship with the union, which says it represents about 200 current and former Starbucks workers. The union is now "vowing action" against the chain for a new scheduling system in which fewer employees will work more hours.

The system is meant to foster an environment where baristas know their customers better in a bid to boost sales. The program is also meant to allow baristas to secure more hours each week.

Starbucks does not guarantee full-time work hours, so employees have consistently complained that they have not been able to work as much as they would like. Under the new system, baristas can get "full-time" status if they work at least 32 hours a week.

The union, however, says the new system still does not offer a guarantee that employees will get the 32 hours they need and it requires full-time baristas to be available to work 70 percent of the hours that stores are open.

Starbucks shares fell 50 cents, or 3.7 percent, to $13.16 in afternoon trading.

Battered Starbucks Hit With Yet Another Federal Labor Complaint

2008-10-06T22:30:00.000-04:00

Labor Board in Michigan Files Complaint Against Starbucks Over Illegal Union-Busting

A Further Complaint is Pending on Starbucks Lawyers Questioning of Baristas

Grand Rapids, MI- The Starbucks Coffee Co. barely had time to wipe the dust off after settling a Labor Board case against it in Minnesota when it got hit with another complaint here. With stark similarities to the Minnesota case and prior cases in New York, the National Labor Relations Board contends that Starbucks engaged in Unfair Labor Practices when it unlawfully terminated outspoken union member and barista, Cole Dorsey, because of his protected activities. Starbucks also has a week to decide if they will settle the complaint issued against them that they further engaged in Unfair Labor Practices through their lawyer's interrogation of baristas. Starbucks is set to stand trial on November 20, 2008.

"Starbucks tried to quietly get rid of me because as a union member I speak out for the respect baristas deserve," said Cole Dorsey, the fired barista and member of the IWW Starbucks Workers Union. "It's time for Starbucks to start addressing the issues, like poverty wages to baristas and coffee farmers, instead of spending tons of money on anti-union lawyers and social responsibility advertising gimmicks."

Concurrently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the government's health safety watchdog, will soon announce their decision of a recently concluded trial to determine whether a barista was unlawfully terminated for reporting a health violation.

In the OSHA trial, Starbucks management and local baristas testified regarding a barista who was fired a week after filing a health complaint over a leaky roof. Prior to the trial, lawyers from Varnum, Riddering, Schmidt, and Howlett interrogated multiple baristas in an attempt to find out what their answers would be at the OSHA trial. The prominent Grand Rapids corporate law firm continues to represent Starbucks after they signed a settlement agreement with the NLRB in 2006 saying they would end barista interrogations.

“Starbucks’ aggressive anti-union attorneys may have crossed the line into illegality,” said Pete Montalbano, a New York-based organizer with the IWW Starbucks Workers Union. “Given Starbucks’ track record of flaunting labor law, this doesn’t come as a surprise.”

Starbucks’ legal woes are not unique to Michigan. The NLRB recently concluded an investigation of Starbucks in Minnesota after a union barista was wrongfully terminated at their Mall of America location. The barista was re-instated after union pressure and Starbucks has since settled those charges. In 2006, Starbucks settled a large case against it in New York involving the right to communicate about the union and terminations of union supporters. Finally, an administrative law judge in New York will soon announce a decision after a lengthy trial the NLRB prosecuted against Starbucks there involving over 30 counts of illegal anti-union activity.

The IWW Starbucks Workers Union is a grassroots organization of over 200 current and former employees at the world's largest coffee chain united for secure work hours and a living wage. The union has members throughout the United States fighting for systemic change at the company and remedying individual grievances with management. The SWU has been especially active in New York City, Chicago, the Twin Cities, and Grand Rapids.

Union baristas, bussers, and shift supervisors have fought successfully toward improved scheduling and staffing levels, increased wages, and workplace safety. Workers who join the union have immediate access to co-workers and members of the community who will struggle with them for a better life on the job.

###

Starbucks baristas union drive comes at key time [City Pages]

2008-08-09T11:36:00.001-04:00

The effort to organize local latte-slingers could hurt the ailing chain

By Matt Snyders

It was a typical, busy Thursday afternoon at the Mall of America's first-floor Starbucks, and Erik Forman was four hours into his shift. The slight, 23-year-old barista was soon approached by a vaguely familiar face: Caroline Kaker, the chain's Bloomington-based district manager.

She pulled him aside and led him to the adjacent Barnes & Noble. There, she broke the grim news: You're fired.

Forman was stunned. Sure, two weeks earlier, he had shown up a half-hour late and was issued a written warning. But that wasn't why Forman was getting the ax today. Management decided to deep-six him after learning that Forman had discussed the warning with co-workers.

"Erik violated terms of his June 2008 final written corrective action by discussing it with a peer," reads the notice of separation.

But there was another topic Forman had discussed with peers, one not explicitly mentioned in the write-up: unionizing.

A member of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), Forman had been in the process of organizing his co-workers under the IWW banner for nearly two years.

"It started with workers during their situations during cigarette breaks, during car rides to and from work," Forman recalls. "We first approached the IWW in September of '06. They helped us figure out how to build a strategy."

In 2004, the IWW took on a Starbucks in Midtown Manhattan, with modest success. In the following years, the list of IWW Starbucks Union affiliates grew to include five other shops in New York City; two in Chicago; one in Grand Rapids, Michigan; and one in Rockville, Maryland.

Shortly after the first union sprouted in New York, Starbucks higher-ups exchanged concerned emails, leaked to The Wall Street Journal, about how to handle the epidemic of unionizing. One, dated October 29, 2004, begins with a blunt introduction: "Below is a summary of the recent developments in New York City regarding our attempts to thwart a potential union situation," it reads.

In March 2006, the IWW accused the coffee giant of union-busting and filed a charge with the National Labor Relations Board. Starbucks settled, agreeing to display workers' rights posters in three of its stores and to allow two fired workers back on staff.

"The reasons they gave for firing me were identical to what they did in New York," says Forman, who's also filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board. "This is a pretty blatant example of union-busting. We've been planning on making our movement public for a while—so even though it comes as a blow, it's kind of a galvanizing blow."

On July 11, one day after Forman got clipped, five workers walked off the floor and approached the floor manager, Jason Lyons, with a petition demanding Forman's reinstatement. Lyons told them it was out of his hands.

Now Forman and the IWW stand poised to organize baristas throughout the metro. On Monday, July 21, they went public. Their demands include a living wage, "respectful" scheduling, and an end to the company's alleged union-busting.

Asked about Forman's allegations, a Starbucks spokesperson had little to say.

"We just received the charge [from Forman] and we're reviewing it," says Stacey Krum, on the phone from Seattle. "There's nothing we can offer right now."

The charges clash with Starbucks' image as a corporate paragon of social responsibility. The Seattle-based chain has staked its reputation on progressive values that play well with its well-to-do clientele. Starbucks was listed as No. 7 in Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work For" this year.

The most frequently extolled of Starbucks' labor practices is its healthcare program. It's one of the few major retailers to provide health insurance to part-time employees. But that comes with a couple of caveats.

First, in order to qualify, workers must log 240 hours per quarter. However, there are no guaranteed hours and many baristas complain of sporadic, unpredictable scheduling. As a result, only 65 percent of Starbucks workers, including management, meet the 240-hour minimum. Many of the remaining workers (particularly part-timers) decide not to buy into the plan; rent payments take priority over premiums.

Consequently, the company's health insurance plan covers less than half (40.9 percent) of employees. As organizers like to point out, that's less than the oft-demonized Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., which covers 47 percent of its workers.

"It's just incredible hypocrisy on this core identity issue," says IWW organizer Daniel Gross. "It's absolutely misleading. It's taken a sub-par program and turned it into a marketing advantage through spin and PR."

Last week, Starbucks released the full list of 600-odd stores expected to close in the coming months, including 27 in Minnesota. Sixteen of the doomed shops sit in the Twin Cities metro.The closings will affect some 12,000 workers nationwide. On Monday, Forman's former co-workers at the Mall of America's Starbucks walked off the floor and issued a letter to management demanding "just treatment of all employees affected by Starbucks' closure of stores nationwide." With an economy seemingly in free-fall and job security plummeting, unionization—for good or ill—enjoys more appeal than it did 10 years ago.

"This will be the biggest fire they've had to put out in a while," says Forman. "The economy is getting worse, people can't get by and are having to work 14-hour days. Management's biggest tool has always been the threat of firing. People are starting to think maybe that's a risk worth taking."

List of cities and countries that participated in the July 5th actions

2008-07-06T03:46:00.033-04:00

Germany-35 Starbucks at Aachen, Berlin, Bonn,
Braunschweig, Bremen, Dortmund, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt/Main,
Münster, Stuttgart, Hamburg, München and Nürnberg
Japan
Taiwan
Vienna, Austria
Spain- Seville, Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia
Portugal
Dublin, Ireland
Cork, Ireland
Belfast, Ireland
Brighton, UK
London, UK
Burlington, VT, USA
Rochester, NY, USA
Birmingham, UK
Wroclaw, Poland (July 1st)
Santiago de Chile, Chile
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Italy
Norway
Serbia
Slovakia
Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Phoenix, AZ, USA
New York City, NY, USA
Boston, MA, USA
Grand Rapids, MI, USA
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Alameda, CA, USA
Chicago, IL, USA
Tempe, AZ, USA
Melbourne, Australia
France
Fresno, CA, USA
Moscow, Russia
Philadelphia, PA
Switzerland
Bern, Switzerland
Baltimore, Maryland
Christchurch, New Zealand

Ver mapa más grande

Kentwood Starbucks protests run global (WoodTV8)

2008-07-06T02:50:00.003-04:00

Starbucks Protest (FOX17)

2008-07-06T02:49:00.000-04:00

Grand Rapids July 5th

2008-07-06T00:35:00.015-04:00

Supporters dropped a banner over the building before the action.
Pictured is District Manager Tom Balenger (616-826-9386) that fired Cole Dorsey.

The action went off very well despite Starbucks' and the police response. Tom Balenger surveilled the protest the whole time in an attempt to identify and intimidate baristas in attendance.
The police watched the whole protest with 2 to 3 cruisers on the scene or talking with Tom.
Despite this, participants held a lively protest. There was a 4 ft. Starbucks cup which symbolized Starbucks union-busting, poverty wages, lies about social responsibility, etc.. And there was a bat which symbolized globalized solidarity. Baristas demonstrated what happens to Starbucks union-busting when confronted with global solidarity.
All the major TV networks covered the story with pictures and interviews. The coverage was surprisingly good for mainstream media.
There are more pictures, and video, to come from Grand Rapids and around the world.
Thanks to all that participated and gave a crushing blow to Starbucks on July 5th, 2008. This is not the end though. The fight doesn't end until the re-instatement of of ALL wrongfully terminated baristas. We've just shown Starbucks what we are capable of! With global solidarity we will win!
View all 83 pictures taken by TJ Rico for the Lansing Peace Education Center

Thanks to all that attended!!

Uprising Radio (KPFK Pacifica) Los Angeles interview about Day of Action

2008-07-05T23:23:00.000-04:00

Interview with Cole Dorsey, Grand Rapids Starbucks Union (IWW) and Beltran Martinez, Secretary of Union Action CNT, Sevilla.

Cork, Ireland Day of Action

2008-07-05T23:22:00.019-04:00

In the Starbucks of the airport of Cork, the employees and customers about the practices of Starbucks elucidated.

Dublin, Ireland Day of Action

2008-07-05T23:22:00.018-04:00

From 12 pm a small group of us decided to leaflet inside some of the other Dublin Starbucks preliminary to the main demonstration on the one in Dame Street. We started upstairs in BT2 Grafton Street – some leaflets were got into the hands of staff behind the bar – but a BT2 security guard is hot on our heels snaffling and crumpling paper as he goes. No security or management presense at all in Dawson street where we get a more leisurely stroll and distribute a good number of leaflets – staff and customers read with interest. Similarly in a fairly deserted Starbucks in the IFSC.

Finally we get back to Dame Street and do another quick run around inside. A minute later we are greeted by Irene; district manager of Starbuck’s Dublin. She is icely and formally polite informing us that we are welcome to protest peacefully but not to leaflet inside the premises and to check in any time for refreshments . We decline the offer. Then she turns paranoid asking us if we are recording her (though we have neither the equipment or the inclination!)– turns back in and is not seen again.

The crowd in Dame Street quickly swells to over 30: with WSM members and many other activists; mostly but not exclusively libertarian. The atmosphere is cheerful through out and people manage to engage with workers on several occasions. Encouraged we head back to Dawson Street and again up to 30 people throng around it; a very strong presense at a quite small entrance.

Overall 650 leaflets distributed by 40 to 50 people over the entire day. Perhaps some seeds were sown and, at least, some of the workers inside might not see anarchists as coming complete with horns and tails.

Starbucks recently announced the closure of 500 restaurants across America with the loss of over 12,000 jobs. As the recession begins to bite there has surely never been a better time to get organised.

Alameda, CA Day of Action

2008-07-05T23:22:00.017-04:00

Bay Area IWW joins International Day of Starbucks Action in Alameda, California

By J. Pierce and Steve O.

The Bay Area IWW held an informational leafleting at a Starbucks cafe in Alameda, CA., at the busy intersection of Park Street and Central Avenue on Sunday July 6. Making good contact with the baristas inside, and a few passers-by who happened also to be Starbucks employees, we expressed our solidarity and offered our support in their efforts to gain more control over their jobs.

The demonstration was small, as it was organized at the last minute. The IWW members present made sure that the workers inside were aware that this demonstration was in solidarity with Grand Rapids, Michigan IWW member and Starbucks Barista Cole Dorsey and CNT Starbucks Barista, Monica. The organizers also made it clear to the baristas in Alameda that this demonstration did not target them and that the Starbucks Union is not (yet) calling for a boycott of Starbucks.

Passers by were urged to contact Starbucks Customer Relations or CEO Howard Schultz and demand that Starbucks respect the rights of workers to organize around the globe.

Reaction from passersby and customers was generally positive; most accepted the Starbucks day of action leaflets and promised that they would take action.

Christchurch, New Zealand

2008-07-05T23:22:00.016-04:00

Before Starbucks in Christchurch on South Island of New Zealand were leaflets and fair trade coffee and distributed on practices at Starbucks discussed.

Buenos Aires Day of Action

2008-07-05T23:22:00.014-04:00

Several Starbucks branches in Buenos Aires got unexpected visit by members of the FORA-AIT (Argentine section of the IAA) and the network "Red Libertaria".

Santiago de Chile Day of Action

2008-07-05T23:22:00.013-04:00

In Santiago de Chile, the group distributed "Voz Negra" leaflets to employees and customers in several of the 25 Chilean Starbucks stores.

Flyer:
Partners: We call this action of repudiation against Starbuck's because we believe that the use of anti-union policies is something reprehensible, unjust and simply seeks to increase the exploitation of workers. Today we are showing our solidarity with the IWW fellow Americans, and the CNT-AIT Spanish for illegal dismissal of several trade unionists by the mere fact fight for their rights in Grands Rapids (Michigan) and Seville. We call on everyone to express our repudiation address this injustice, but not to stay alone in this, but to fight against any exploitation affecting workers at any time and place.

None fight without solidarity!Build strength and popular libertarian!

In the activity we were able to maintain alguans covnersaciones with interested individuals, we show a humble gesture of solidarity with fellow fighters elsewhere on the planet, we reiterate the modest gesture, but we expect to be repeated in larger quantities.
A salute to those who were supporting, and for all those still fighting around the world.

We say goodbye fraternally.

Bern, Switzerland Day of Action

2008-07-05T23:22:00.012-04:00

The FAU Berne had in the run-up in the two local Starbucks stores leaflets in the document distributed to them on the day of action.To her joy, they are in fairly open ears. At noon, they deal with local support, 600 leaflets, a few liters iced coffee, milk shake, ice tea and a few flags in front of the Starbucks branch at the orphanage place. Directly in front of the entrance they tried - with amazing success - the potential customers to free coffee stand, where they milk shake or iced coffee discussions. The Starbucks staff had them in the branch office leaflets distributed around four hours after the action was successfully completed. Even before the second Starbucks store was during this time flyers distributed.

Switzerland July 5th Day of Action

2008-07-05T23:22:00.011-04:00

The group System Breakthrough participated in the Day of Action.

As part of the global day of action against Starbucks, we have this afternoon in train leaflets to guests and workers at Starbucks and passersby. Many expressed interest, perhaps also because Starbucks last week with the planned 12,000 redundancies already in the media.

We show solidarity with our threatened and fired workers. An attack on one of us is an attack on all!

Flyer (written by the FAU: fau.org)

The coffee tastes bitter!

"We are creating us a great work environment and treat us with respect and dignity." With these beautiful words STARBUCKS describes in his "mission statement" the working atmosphere in the thousands of branches and franchises of the Group. But looking behind the scenes, it turns out to be little more than fine words to reassure customers. For years STARBUCKS repeatedly fired employees who opt for better working conditions. Last example, in the long chain of anti-union practices at STARBUCKS is the dismissal of the "barista" (so-called STARBUCKS the workers) Monica in Seville. As long reached the point where it is, today we inform employees, customers in many places around the globe about the conditions at STARBUCKS. We would like to ask you to help ensure that the group finally the rights of workers respected.

Monica April was fired. She is an active member of a few months earlier by employees launched operating group of trade union CNT at STARBUCKS in Seville. The CNT calls for their immediate reinstatement and has already taken initial support actions in branches of the city.
The procedure is similar to the one against Monica, with the STARBUCKS already in the United States several times against the attempt by workers approach is to organize trade unions to their own conditions. There are always fired people who are in the "Starbucks Workers Union (SWU)," the IWW union organizing. Against this approach are several methods for anti-union practices before the labour courts in the U.S. pending. However, the multi-coffee a year ago in another case must assure, measurement rules and intimidation against workers, who join the SEEs. This followed a wave of protest actions STARBUCKS branches in the United States. The multi knows very well why he no organised employees in its branches. Finally, the group often enough concessions in working conditions, working hours and the tips, where the baristas only once together.
Given the fact that in several countries STARBUCKS tries against union organizing approach, the CNT Seville and the SEEs Grand Rapids decided, for now a global day of action auszurufen to coordinate against these practices. In recent years, we have already in several cities and repeated occasions in STARBUCKS actions carried out against the anti-union behavior of the group to protest over working conditions and to enlighten our solidarity with colleagues express. To the bosses not only in STARBUCKS notice that an attack on one of us is an attack on all and that it is the right answer!
Also STARBUCKS must finally understand: Employees have the right to organize unions! Weltweit. Worldwide. The same is true for the many precariously employed students and student assistants. Whether the group wants or not.

Not moaning, but organize!
Do you really want to trade union at enemies consume?
Web site: seccionstarbuckscnt.wordpress.com | www.starbucksunion.org | www.fau.org

Phoenix, AZ Day of Action

2008-07-05T23:22:00.009-04:00

LOCAL INDUSTRIAL WORKERS TO PARTICIPATE IN GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION
AGAINST STARBUCKS

TEMPE, Arizona - Following a call for support from Starbucks employees
in Sevilla, Spain and Grand Rapids, Michigan, along with the Starbucks
Workers' Union (part of the Industrial Workers of the World) and CNT-
AIT union in Spain, the Phoenix General Membership Branch (GMB) of the
Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) will participate in the "Global
Day of Action Against Starbucks".

On Saturday, July 05, the Phoenix GMB of the Industrial Workers of the
World will stand in solidarity with Starbucks workers throughout the
nation and the world, calling customers' attention to worker
grievances and spreading awareness of the Starbucks Workers' Union
among employees. The action will take place at Starbucks, 420 S. Mill
Ave., Tempe, at 10AM.

The call for a day of action against Starbucks comes on the heels of
recent firings by the coffee giant of workers trying to unionize, as
well as a litany of other failures on the part of Starbucks to improve
conditions for their workers. Most baristas earn far less than a
living wage and suffer from unsecured hours, making financial planning
impossible. In addition, Starbucks often greatly understaffs their
locations -- making them more profitable at the cost of overworked
baristas and unsafe working conditions.

In the face of such a staunchly anti-union corporation, the Industrial
Workers of the World, through the Starbucks Workers' Union, has been
the only union to successfully organize workers at several Starbucks
locations, in several states, winning higher wages, more stable hours,
and safer working environments.

The Industrial Workers of the World is an industrial union formed in
1905. In its one-hundred-plus years of existence, the IWW has
developed a rich history of direct action in the workplace resulting
in higher wages, better working conditions, and in some cases direct
control of the workplace by workers. Unlike traditional trade unions,
the IWW seeks to unify all workers in a cooperative manner to abolish
the wage system. Also unlike trade unions, there are no formal union
bosses, with members in direct control of the union's activities. For
more information, visit: http://www.iww.org.

The Phoenix General Membership Branch (GMB) is the local affiliate of
the Industrial Workers of the World and agitates to bring direct
worker control over workplaces in the Phoenix metropolitan area, with
the ultimate goal of abolishing the wage system. The Phoenix GMB meets
the first and third Sunday of every month at 3 Roots Cafe, 1020 S.
Mill Ave., Tempe.

Baltimore Action

2008-07-05T23:22:00.007-04:00

BALTIMORE, MD -- Several hundred flyers were delivered to
> potential Starbucks customers about Starbucks unfair labor
> practices in Michigan, Spain, and in many other places.
> Several Baltimore GMB members along with IWWs in town from
> Pittsburgh, Providence, and other cities were invovled in
> the action, along with members of NEFAC, and several other
> organizations. Free coffee was distributed from Red
> Emma's coffeehouse and bookstore, an IWW job shop,
> while the police looked on.
>
> IWW members entered the store in advance of the
> informational leaflet, and explained that Starbucks workers
> were coming together in other cities to improve their
> working conditions, and that we were here to stand with
> those workers who struggle for a better life. We also left
> a large tip to cover all the business lost at Starbucks
> today. We thank all the potential customers who declined
> to enter Starbucks in solidarity with the workers who are
> organizing, and to the Starbucks workers in Baltimore who
> were gracious with their understanding.

Seville, Spain Day of Action

2008-07-05T23:22:00.006-04:00

Check out the Sevilla CNT site for description of action (in spanish).

NYC Day of Action

2008-07-05T23:22:00.005-04:00

A dozen protesters gathered in front of the Starbucks on 17th and Broadway on Saturday July 5 to protest the termination of two union organizing baristas. Liberte Locke, ( a current barista who works in Manhattan, wrote a letter to Chairman Howard Schultz, asking to re-instate two terminated employees: Monica (who has declined to reveal her last name for fear of being blacklisted by other potential empolyers) and Cole Dorsey, of Grand Rapids Michigan.

London Day of Action

2008-07-05T23:22:00.004-04:00

Today london syndicalists met the call for an international day of action, and London Solidarity Federation joined with London Industrial Workers of the World to picket a flagship 2 story starbucks in New Oxford St. The picket lasted an hour and turned roughly half of the shops' potential customers away by telling people what Starbucks were up to abroad and at home [in 2005 they were forced to reinstate a sacked IWW member after union action in Leicester]. A reassuringly large number of people from all backgrounds responded by saying they supported the right to organise and believed in unions, and the vast majority who went in were foreign tourists who didn't understand the picketers. Two potential customers were so convinced they dropped their plans for overpriced coffee and actually joined the picket itself!

Birmingham, UK Day of Action

2008-07-05T23:22:00.003-04:00

Saturday 5th July- as part of an international day of action against the latest illegal sackings of union activists in Michigan, USA and Seville, Spain, the West Midlands IWW helped organise a protest picket outside the main Starbucks store in Birmingham. The general public were very supportive of the protest. We were surprised how much people hated starbucks. The store manager hated the fact it the store was half empty, just like their tills.

Letter of support from Slovakian IWA

2008-07-05T23:22:00.001-04:00

The Secretariat of the Slovakian IWA sent this letter to the Grand Rapids Starbucks that fired Cole demanding the reinstatement of the wrongfully terminated baristas.

PRIAMA AKCIA – Medzinárodná asociácia pracujúcich / International Workers‘ Association
PO Box 16
848 08 Bratislava 48
Slovakia, Europe e-mail: intersec@priamaakcia.sk web: www.priamaakcia.sk

Dobrý deň,

máme k dispozícii informácie o prepúšťaní odborových aktivistov z pobočiek Starbucks v Španielsku a USA. Konkrétne ide o prípad zamestnankyne Mónicy, prepustenej 24. 4. 2008 z pobočky v španielskej Seville a Colea Dorseyho, prepusteného 6. 6. 2008. Je evidentné, že oba prípady majú spoločný dôvod – potrestanie za odborárske aktivity na pracovisku.

Sme pobúrení týmto postupom a vyzývame Starbucks, aby okamžite znovuzamestnal Mónicu aj Colea a ukončil prenasledovanie odborárov!

Pripájame sa ku globálnemu dňu akcií proti praktikám Starbucks a o tomto prípade budeme informovať ďalších ľudí a verejnosť u nás aj v zahraničí s návrhom bojkotovať vaše pobočky na celom svete.

Daniel Drevený
Medzinárodný sekretár
Priama akcia – MAP Slovensko (IWA-AIT)

*********
Priama akcia je slovenskou sekciou odborárskej konfederácie Medzinárodnej asociácie pracujúcich (MAP), ktorá združuje členskou základňou riadené

Philadelphia July 5th Action

2008-07-05T23:21:00.002-04:00

On July 5th , some members of the Philadelphia branch of the Industrial Workers of the World and I organized a small demonstration in front the Starbucks on 9th and South Street at 1:00pm. This action was to protest the firing of Starbucks baristas who had been trying to unionize with the IWW Starbucks Workers Union in the United States. This event was coordinated with the Anarchist CNT Union in Spain where baristas have also been fired for organizing. Friends and family of IWW members also came by to show support for the demonstration. Protestors came with IWW flags and songs condemning the actions of Starbucks against union members in New York City, Grand Rapids Michigan and Seville Spain. We also handed out flyers so people could contact Starbucks in order to voice disapproval to the company for its union busting polices. The pickets sang songs such as Solidarity Forever and chanted “What’s Disgusting!?-Union Busting! What’s Outrageous?!-Starbucks Wages!”

Rochester, NY July 5th Action

2008-07-05T23:21:00.001-04:00

On July 5, the Rochester branch of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) participated in an international day of solidarity against the union busting practices of Starbucks Coffee Company. Approximate 15 members of the union local showed up to distribute flyers, talk to customers, pedestrians, and workers, waved union flags, sang, danced to music, and picketed in the spirit of worker solidarity. Members handed out nearly 200 pieces of information to interested parties.

Vienna, Austria July 5th

2008-07-05T23:20:00.002-04:00

Dear comrades!

The local federation of the FAS Vienna took part in the Global Action Day
against Starbucks. At 8 stores in Vienna, groups of comrades distributed
info material to the workers and costumers. The reactions were mixed: from
reluctant to explicit interest on the side of the baristas to rejection on
the side of the store managers (who were quite busy trying to get a hold
of us and throw us out of the store). Nevertheless, we got the message
across. For our final action, the groups met at the most frequented store
at Viennese Mariahilfer-Strasse. We are glad to see that the CNT and the
IWW are fighting side by side against the bosses and are looking forward
to support future global actions.
In solidarity with Monica, Cole and all baristas of Starbucks!

Yours,
A-C for the international Secretariat of the FAS.

Melbourne July 5th

2008-07-05T23:07:00.002-04:00

At 1100 AEST (0100UTC) a solidarity action commenced in support of starbucks workers. About 25 picketers and 10 police and a security guard were in attendance the presence of which emptied the starbucks cafe. Leaflets were handed out and speeches were made by megaphone. The action ceased at 1230 AEST (0230UTC).

Local Starbucks to Join Worldwide Protest (WZZM13)

2008-07-05T22:11:00.002-04:00

WZZM13
A Grand Rapids branch of the Starbucks Workers Union will protest today.

It is one of many protests taking place around the world to show solidarity with union activists who have been fired from Starbucks in recent months. One of those activists include Grand Rapids barista Cole Dorsey. Starbucks fired Dorsey on June 6th after the coffee chain learned of his activity in the Industrial Workers of the World Union. The firing came in the midst of unfair labor practice charges being investigated against the Starbucks in Grand Rapids.

Today's protest takes place at the Starbucks located at 2757 East Beltline. It begins at 4 p.m. this afternoon. Other places taking part in the protest include: Argentina, Chile, the British Isles, Italy, Japan, Norway, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, 4 cities in Spain, 6 cities in Germany. In the US: Phoenix, Philadelphia, Grand Rapids, Boston, Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles .

July5th Belfast

2008-07-05T13:52:00.004-04:00

Organise! and the WSM picketed Starbucks in Belfast city centre today from 12 to 1 pm. Despite the miserable weather around 12 people joined the picket and leafleted passers by and potential customers outside the coffee shop. At the start of the picket 3 people had gone inside to leaflet customers and staff. There was a very positive response to the picket however one person was falsely accused of assaulting a Starbuck's member of staff after leafleting staff and customers inside.
As part of the Global Day of Action against Starbucks called by the AIT/IWA and IWW Organise! and the WSM picketed Starbucks in Belfast today (5th July) to demand the reinstatement of Monica, a member of the anarcho-syndicalist member working in their central Seville outlet, and Cole Dorsey, an IWW member who was fired by Starbucks for organising in their Grand Rapids, Michican, shop.