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Press Conference: IWW Starbucks Baristas and Coffee Farmer Advocates to Speak Out Before Celebration of Resistance

Submitted by x344543 on Mon, 03/19/2007 - 11:30pm

For Immediate Release: IWW Starbucks Workers Union, StarbucksUnion.org March 15, 2007 Contact: starbucksunion@yahoo.com Press Conference: Baristas and Coffee Farmer Advocates to Speak Out Before Starbucks Annual Meeting Protest

Campaign Will Release Short Film on Starbucks Barista Delegation to Ethiopian Coffee Farms and "2006 Starbucks Corporate Irresponsibility Report"

WHO:  Starbucks baristas, Ethiopian coffee farmer advocates, labor unionists, and community supporters with signs and banners.

WHAT: A press conference previewing the IWW Starbucks Workers Union and Justice from Bean to Cup! protest the next day at the Starbucks Shareholders Meeting. Current and former Starbucks employees and coffee farmer advocates will tell the true story behind the Starbucks brand; a vastly different picture than the company's socially responsible image it will showcase at the Annual Meeting.  

A short film will debut on the recent trip of union member and Starbuck barista Sarah Bender to Ethiopia to learn the reality on the ground for the farmers growing the beans that she brews at the world's largest coffee chain.  Finally, the campaign will release the "2006 Starbucks Corporate Irresponsibility Report" to counter the release of the company's misleading annual Corporate Social Responsibility Report.

WHERE:  Labor Temple- 2800 First Avenue, Seattle

WHEN:  Tuesday, March 20th at 11am.

WHY: While Starbucks attempts to cash-in on its socially responsible image at the Annual Shareholders Meeting, Starbucks baristas are facing a relentless anti-union campaign and coffee farmers are living in grinding poverty.  The IWW Starbucks Workers Union and Justice from Bean to Cup! campaign are crashing the party this year in a celebration of resistance to demand respect from the world's largest coffee chain.

The Starbucks Workers Union (StarbucksUnion.org) is an organization of employees at the coffee giant united for a living wage, secure hours, and dignity on the job.  Justice from Bean to Cup! links Starbucks baristas and coffee farmers across the supply chain to win respect for human rights and labor rights.

Speakers:

Tomer Malchi- Starbucks Barista and Organizer, IWW Starbucks Workers Union:  www.StarbucksUnion.org

Wondwossen Mezlekia- Ethiopian Agronomist and Author of the "Coffee Politics" Blog: www.poorfarmer.blogspot.com

Mark Tutalo- military veteran and former Starbucks Roasting Plant Employee currently suing the company over disrimination for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and union membership

Peter Van Schaick- Attorney and Campaigner, Justice from Bean to Cup!; member of delegation recently returned from Ethiopia.

NB: The Celebration of Resistance Protest at the Starbucks Annual Meeting Will Take Place on Wednesday, March 21 @ 9 A.M. Marion Oliver Mccaw Hall At The Seattle Center Mercer Street, Between Third And Fourth Avenues Seattle, Washington

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