Former Starbucks employees hold protest in support of barista fired for trying to start union

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/07/former_starbucks_employees_hol.html

by Kyla King | The Grand Rapids Press
Saturday July 25, 2009, 6:20 PM


Photos by Kyla King | The Grand Rapids PressA protest outside the Gaslight Village Starbucks on Saturday.


EAST GRAND RAPIDS -- Former Starbucks Corp. workers who say the company fired a barista in East Grand Rapids for attempting to organize a union held an informational protest Saturday outside the coffee chain's location in Gaslight Village.
Cole DorseyErik Foreman

A group of about 15 people gathered outside the entrance at 4:30 p.m. holding signs and banners and occasionally chanting pro-union slogans. They claimed to passers-by that the Seattle-based coffee chain engages in unfair labor practices.

The group was joined by former East Grand Rapids employee, Cole Dorsey, a member of the Industrial Workers of the World union, who was fired in June 2008. Dorsey said he has been trying to get reinstated since the company settled a complaint in January with the National Labor Relations Board made on his behalf.

Cole, who is unemployed, said he still wants his job back and for other workers to have a stable work schedule and be given enough hours to qualify for health benefits.

FULL story at link.

[dana_b]

1. way to go!

good luck to them. It's going to be an uphill battle in these tough times.

[mitchtv]

2. the Wobblies

how cool is that?

[harmonicon]

8. it's super cool

[Cha]

3. Rec'd~ Best of Luck

to the workers supporting Cole Dorsey!

[c-ville rook]

4. So much ...

for fair trade coffee.

[Omaha Steve]

5. This was on page 3 already?

Kick.

[DCBob]

6. Starbucks employees are abused....

A bit like working in the coal mines but without a headlamp.

[EFerrari]

7. K&R

[TexasObserver]

9. Recommend