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The ‘Red Cup Rebellion’ Is Here as Starbucks Workers Launch Massive Strike (www.vice.com)

submitted 2 years ago by yogthos@lemmy.ml to c/usa@lemmy.ml

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[–] Slatlun@lemmy.ml 5 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I think you might be conflating union actions with reporting on union actions. The union is representing its members, but the reporting starts by focusing on the free cup. Vice definitely isn't a worker forward publication. The union is asking for support they would like right at the top of their home page: https://sbworkersunited.org/

Also, unions don't end at corporate boundaries. Read the FAQ on the above link to see how the Starbucks union fits into the local union landscape.

[–] thetablesareorange@lemmygrad.ml 3 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

I see, so it's like vaguely connected to the SEIU?... but so many red flags right away, like this:

We are pro-Starbucks

why?

We want Starbucks to be the best it can be.

why?

Many of us have dedicated years of our lives to this company

that's so sad

, and those of us with less seniority want this to be a place we can make a sustainable career.

wouldn't you just prefer seniority?

Starbucks it is the leader in the coffee industry.

who talks like this?

It should also be the leader in collaborating with its partners to raise standards of living and working in the industry.

I'd much rather prefer it go bankrupt

[–] Slatlun@lemmy.ml 4 points 2 years ago (2 children)

Are you saying the entire unionization effort is a set up for publicity?

[–] thetablesareorange@lemmygrad.ml 3 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

it makes sense doesn't it? a completely inept union that can be gotten rid of at anytime, that anyone can either be promoted from or fired from? Starbucks' first union effort was in 1985 almost 40 years were later we've got one whole store. Look at the spook in charge of this new one too. Jaz Brisack, a rhodes scholar and oxford grad who goes to work for minimum wage at starbucks? All these articles saying "starbucks" millions of times over and over, and what happens? maybe they get a small cost of living raise? if that?

[–] Slatlun@lemmy.ml 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

one whole store

? There are about 250 stores that have approved unionization across a large area impacting 6500 employees. It did start with one store though.

it makes sense doesn't it

No. I believe that Starbucks is trying to make the most of the situation, but they would dissolve the union or would've blocked it in the first place if they could.

[–] thetablesareorange@lemmygrad.ml 1 points 2 years ago

back in 1985 not only did the CEO openly support the union, but tried claim the original unionization efforts were his idea in the first place, then once the story left the headlines about how everyone at one starbucks has healthcare now, they gutted the union and it dissolved. Why do I feel that will happen again and again throughout starbucks lifetime?

[–] CountryBreakfast@lemmygrad.ml 1 points 2 years ago

Not exactly how I'd frame it but that is something vice news would do frankly. Starbucks doesn't want a union but they can make the most of it.