Submitted on Mon, 07/31/2006 - 12:16pm
We need your solidarity now. Daniel Gross, an organizer in the IWW Starbucks Workers Union, is being "investigated" by the company over a protest he and his co-workers participated in to support another IWW barista, Evan Winterscheidt. Evan was suspended and faced termination because of his union activity and his fellow union members went to protest outside his store to demand that he not be fired. Pending the outcome of Starbucks' "investigation" into Daniel's participation in this act of mutual aid, Starbucks will decide whether or not to fire him. The decision could take place any day so please take action now.
Submitted on Wed, 07/19/2006 - 1:37pm
In the latest attempt to scare workers from joining the IWW Starbucks Workers Union, Starbucks has fired two union members in two different stores. Evan Winterscheidt, a 2 year employee at 14th st and 6th ave and Charles Fostrom at 57th st and Lexington ave. The Union demands the immediate reinstatement of both workers and an end to the illegal anti-union activities.
The IWW Starbucks Workers Union believes that these two firings are part of an on going anti-union campaign and is filing more unfair labor practices against the company. Although Starbucks has relentlessly tried to intimidate NYC baristas from joining the union, workers continue to organize for higher wages, consistent hours, respect at work and a better life on and off the job.
Submitted on Sat, 07/01/2006 - 12:46am
UNION SPILLS THE BEANS By Robert Proudfoot - June 21, 2006,
New York Press (
http://www.nypress.com/19/25/informationagent/agent4.cfm)
Last Friday at 2:45 p.m., Starbucks employees working at the 135 E. 57th St. store (between Lexington and Park Ave.) made public their Industrial Workers of the World union membership and presented a list of demands to management to improve working conditions.
The Starbucks Workers Union members “marched into the store to announce their membership in the IWW,” said Daniel Gross, Starbucks Workers Union organizer and Starbucks barista. Gross said the three main demands are: a living wage, secure hours of 30 or more per week and an end to the anti-union campaign. While the demands were being presented, customers were not being served.
Submitted on Sun, 06/18/2006 - 3:30am
At 2:45 on Friday, June 16th a delegation of the IWW Starbucks workers union entered Starbucks at 57th and Lexington.
Workers on the shop floor put on their IWW union pins and let the company know that they too were members of the Starbucks Workers union. Workers stopped working as they presented theirdemands to their store manager Patrice Britton.
The Store manager refused to take the list of demands and ordered everyone back to work. Workers spoke out and let the manager and customers know their concerns. Meanwhile several wobblies were passing out leaflets outside letting customers know what was happening inside.
There was chaos on the floor where the manager was telling workers to get back to work meanwhile customers were asking what was happening and why they weren't being served. There was shouting and arguing.
Submitted on Sat, 06/17/2006 - 1:59am
Reuters - By Abha Bhattarai, June 16, 2006
Starbucks Corp. may be next on the target list of a consumer-health group that this week sued the operator of the KFC fried chicken restaurant chain for frying foods in oils high in harmful trans fat.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest said it is planning to campaign against the global cafe chain because of the increased risk of obesity, heart disease and cancer associated with high-calorie, high-fat products it sells.
And the possibility of legal action against Starbucks, similar to the case it is taking against KFC owner Yum Brands Inc., has not been ruled out, said CSPI executive director Michael F. Jacobson.