Protests in Ireland against Starbucks anti-unionism
Submitted on Fri, 07/11/2008 - 2:47am
Originally posted at anarkismo.net
Dublin Report:
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.
Belfast Report:
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. If this is
Starbucks treatment towards a normal picket, one has to ask questions
regarding their attitude towards their own workers? This threatening
behaviour by Starbucks bosses towards the picket will not be tolerated
and will only increase our determination and resolve to raise
awareness, oppose Starbucks union busting activities and build
solidarity with fellow Starbucks workers.
Solidarity is Strength!