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Date Posted: 09:35:57 05/13/10 Thu
Author: hmmmm
Author Host/IP: 69.24.14.26
Subject: a little perspective
In reply to: morgan 's message, "Re: no unions" on 08:43:10 05/13/10 Thu

Somewhat dated information, from Wikipedia:
On May 17, 2004, Starbucks's workers at the 36th and Madison store in midtown Manhattan organized the first Starbucks barista union in the United States. The union drive had its origins in barista's complaints that a starting wage of $7.75 an hour was not a living wage in New York City and that Starbucks refused to guarantee regularity of hours per week. The union has also joined with Global Exchange in calling on Starbucks to purchase at least 5% of the store's coffee from fair trade certified sources. The 12 workers submitted union cards to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for a certification election. Prior to the election, Starbucks filed an appeal with the NLRB, asking that the election be extended to several stores, not the single store that filed for an election. The NLRB agreed to review the appeal and impound the ballots at the Madison Avenue store. The IWW subsequently withdrew the election petition because the appeal could cause a several-year delay in the validation of the election.[2] Starbucks claims the union withdrew due to a lack of interest by Starbucks workers.[3] The IWW usually does not get involved in the NLRB election process, but rather focuses on winning incremental demands on the shop-floor through the practice of "Solidarity Unionism."[4] On this basis, the organizing drive continues at Starbucks locations across the world.

The union filed an unfair labor practice charge against Starbucks in which it alleged the company prohibited workers from distributing union leaflets or wearing union buttons while they were at work. The company settled the charge with the National Labor Relations Board in March 2006. The company did not admit it had broken the law, but did agree to post notices explaining workers' rights under the National Labor Relations Act at three of its stores. In addition, it was forced to allow two employees to return to work and compensate three workers for lost wages in an amount less than $2,000.[9] The union claims that four of its members have been fired for union activities, a charge the company denies.

On January 14, 2005, charges stemming from a march during the 2004 Republican National Convention were dropped against union co-founder Daniel Gross. Witnesses allege Starbucks's managers coordinated with the NYPD to single out Daniel Gross and another union activist from a crowd of 200 protesters.[10]

In June and August 2006, several organizers were fired by Starbucks, including union co-founder Daniel Gross who Starbucks claims made a threatening remark to a district manager at a union rally. Gross denies the charge. The NLRB is currently reviewing the circumstances of the dismissals.[11]

On May 17, 2007 union baristas in Grand Rapids, Michigan announced they also were filing Unfair Labor Practice charges with the NLRB based on Starbucks reaction to the union drive there.

On July 11, 2008 union baristas in Minneapolis, MN filed an unfair labor practice over the firing of IWW barista Erik Forman. After an escalating campaign of direct action, including a petition and a work stoppage at the Mall of America location, Starbucks offered Forman his job back and later settled with the NLRB.

Ongoing campaigns

On Friday, June 16, 2006 the Starbucks employees working at the 135 E. 57th Street store in Manhattan made public their IWW membership and presented a list of demands to management to improve working conditions. This was the 5th Starbucks store in New York to establish a public organizing committee and make collective demands from the company.[12]

Baristas at Chicago’s Logan Square Starbucks store announced on August 29, 2006 their membership in the IWW Starbucks Workers Union, becoming the first U.S. workers outside of New York City to declare union membership. A set of demands was given to the management team including a living wage, guaranteed work hours, reinstatement of IWW baristas allegedly fired for organizing activity, and respect for an independent voice on the job through union membership.[1]

In August, 2006, A group of union members filed a complaint with the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration, alleging that three of Starbucks's Manhattan stores violate basic health standards. OSHA inspected the locations and found two serious hazards, as well as a number of less serious hazards.[13]. The group is demanding the company increase staffing levels and provide elbow-length gloves.[14][15]

In July 2008, baristas at the Mall of America I Starbucks announced their membership in the union, demanding seniority-based severance pay and the right to transfer for workers at closing stores.

The organizing campaign is ongoing in Minneapolis and cities across the United States, and is growing in Europe and around the world.

In July, 2009, Radio-Canada reported an attempt at unionization by employees of a Starbucks in Québec City, Québec.[16]

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In light of this, one might think that the current cost of the coffee will no doubt go up, and so you still won't be able to afford the coffee, so what's your beef?

Take this a step farther - is everything you buy from unionized companies? How about your gas - is it locally produced from a unionized company? Is your computer produced by a unionized company?

Cripes. Settle down.

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