Rolling On: A Summary of the Bay Area Starbucks Workers Union
Submitted on Tue, 09/18/2007 - 3:49pm
As the Starbucks Workers Union is in its third year of struggling for the rights of baristas and moving to trial in New York, we at the Bay Area Starbucks Workers Union are continuing our push to unionize workers and respond to the unfair actions that Starbucks commits against their employees. Through any means available, we have – and still are – pushing to organize baristas into One Big Union.
Weekly informational pickets have become a great weapon that has been useful twofold: to let passers-by know about the unjust labor practices that Starbucks has committed across the country and to give a face to the union for the workers. Although not central to the fight, positive consumer and community response gives the union leverage against local Starbucks locations by consumer grievances and participating in e-mail campaigns. Such tactics have worked in other IWW campaigns such as Shattuck Cinemas and feel it can in this one also. Informational pickets also give a face to the union, something that other business unions often look over. By seeing active members on the streets pushing for Starbucks to own up to its destructive labor practices, the employees will see we are truly dedicated to their fight and no other.
The struggle for pregnant Starbucks barista Christina Rosevear and her rights are constantly being waged in an attempt for Starbucks to own up to their wrongdoing and grant her maternity leave when it is actually needed – after pregnancy! Such was the intent when we pressured her management, picketed Starbucks regional headquarters in San Francisco and spread her story to all we have come into contact with. As she nears the Starbucks expected return date, we will be there to counter every Starbucks action in defense of a worker’s right to maternity leave.
The Bay Area Starbucks Workers Union has also been present at several public events to spread the word of unionization to all. From the San Francisco Board of Directors meeting to address a new Starbucks opening to the People’s Park rally in Berkley, the SWU has made a stir by voicing our complaints and informing all about Christina Rosevear and other victims of Starbucks Management. Although not directly leading to shop unionization, community support can help us push Starbucks into submission.
As the Starbucks Workers Union grows in the east, we in the Bay Area are pushing harder than ever to address malicious labor practices and shake the core of Starbucks management. Through pickets, speaking engagements, and other events we have and will continue to struggle until the Starbucks Workers Union is recognized in every store, all workers are treated the same no matter their age, race, or religion, and all workers get respect on the job.