In March 2008 the Grand Rapids GMB of the IWW and the Grand Rapids Starbucks Workers Union announced the beginning of a 'Spring Offensive against Starbucks (SOS)' to increase local pressure on the coffee giant on the eve of the fourth anniversary of the Starbucks Union founding, and in support of the new Unfair Labor Practice charges filed against Starbucks in Grand Rapids. Wobblies described S.O.S. as a 'multi-pronged' offensive where union members: would increase engagement with costumers about Starbucks' union-busting and 'fair tade' policies, increase contact with local baristas about the demands of the SWU as well as invitations to social gatherings, and an increase in publicity and community exposure. IWW baristas honored MayDay 2008 with a press conference and celebration. At 4:00pm GMB members Jackie Wood and Chuck Neller posted in front of the Starbucks store in East Grand Rapids, with the branch banner, in preparation of the press conference. Union baristas then addressed the media with statements expressing solidarity with others struggling on the job, and announced a renewed commitment to fight Starbucks repression.

Mediamouse. org has posted the MayDay Press Conference in front of Starbucks in East Grand Rapids. It can be seen here: http://www. mediamouse. org/features/050608iww_h. php Mentioned in the press conference is our fellow worker, Monica, who was unlawfully fired by Starbucks on April 24th in Seville, Spain. She was a member of the CNT union. That story as well as mention of Grand Rapids organizing can be viewed here (in spanish): http://www. cnt. es/sevilla/ http://www. cnt. es/ The paragraphs related to the IWW (in spanish and english): No es la primera vez que Starbucks reprime a los trabajadores que se sindican. En Estados Unidos, país de origen de esta multinacional, tiene una largo historial de despido y represión a trabajadores del sindicato revolucionario IWW (Trabajadores Industriales del Mundo). En la actualidad en Grand Rapids, Michigan, los compañeros del Sindicato de Trabajadores de Starbucks están luchando contra la discriminación por motivos de afiliación sindical. CNT SEVILLA LUCHA POR SU READMISIÓN Desde el Sindicato de Comercio de la CNT de Sevilla no vamos a permitir la represión sindical a nuestra compañera, y vamos a

In the late summer of 2004 six people sat in a basement and decided to start an info shop/community center. The idea was to create a free space where people could safely read, speak, and think unconventional notions.

The five of us were extremely frustrated with the lie that we lived in a free, democratic society where freedom of speech was ranked number one. How could that be when we are constantly forced to choose from the limitations of dichotomies and get our information from one-sided viewpoints (in the form of a dichotomy)? One of the biggest mainstream, leftist voices is Michael Moore and all he had to say was "vote for Kerry."

We wanted all opinions not only to be heard, but be easily available. Where do you hear people supporting other forms of social structure like anarchy, or the importance of unions, or even the mass-murdering of other cultures (besides Iraq) at the hands of the U.S.? It's out there, but you really have to search. And, of course, these subjects are taboo because they threaten the elites capital. It threatens the pigs' on top wealth that WE work for. Which is all the more reason for it to be suppressed by them and exposed by us.