City Council sides with IWW in dispute with Starbucks

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=514996

Wobbly Union Gets Support
City Council sides with Industrial Workers of the World in dispute with Starbucks
Published On Tuesday, October 17, 2006 2:26 AM
By VIRGINIA A. FISHER and NICHOLAS K. TABOR
Crimson Staff Writers


You may soon be able to get a shot of “anarcho-syndicalism” with your mocha Frappuccino, if the Cambridge City Council has its way.

In its meeting last night, the council passed a resolution supporting the right of Starbucks employees to organize under the aegis of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), or "Wobblies," a union made famous in the early 20th century for a brand of radical socialism known as “anarcho-syndicalism.” The IWW advocates “aboliton of the wage system” on its website.

“Starbucks is an international corporation with many assets, and millions and millions of dollars, they should refrain from interfering with the workers right to organize,” the resolution reads.

Labor organizing efforts began in 2004 with the founding of the Starbucks Workers Union (SWU) in New York City. The group sought a living wage and consistent work hours for Starbucks employees. They also claimed that Starbucks facilities violated local health codes.

Organizers claim that they have experienced systematic intimidation from Starbucks management over the past four years. However, the organizers also take credit for the wage increases that baristas across the U.S. and Canada received this September.

Starbucks officials did not return a request for comment. But in a statement on its website, Starbucks touts its “top tier” wages and “extensive” health plan. “Starbucks does not take action or retaliate against partners who might be interested or take part in union activity,” says the statement, dated Dec. 2, 2005.


FULL story at link above.

[Steepler0t]

1. Congrats Workers

Wobblies and A/S Kick

:bounce: