What:

A trial against Starbucks at the National Labor Relations Board over terminations, discrimination, interference,and surveillance against its own baristas.  The proceedings are open to the public.

Who:

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

The IWW Starbucks Workers Union will be represented by attorney Stuart Lichten of Schwartz, Lichten, and Bright.

Starbucks will be represented by corporate law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer and Feld.

The NLRB attorneys on the case are Burt Pearlstone and Audrey Eveillard.

Why:

Starbucks' socially responsibility claim is in for its biggest test yet.  After an independent investigation triggered by charges from the IWW, the Labor Board hit
Starbucks with a massive complaint alleging over 30 critical violations of workers' rights including the termination of three employees for union activity.

The barista firings 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.

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: "Board Accuses Starbucks of Trying to Block Union", by Steven Greenhouse of the New York