March to Mark the Costs: 9 years of US Occupation in Afghanistan

Join the IWW in the march this Saturday against the US occupation of Afghanistan!

Saturday, October 9 · 12:00pm
Central High School

421 Fountain St NE

Grand Rapids, MI

On facebook

Peaceful neighborhood march to Fulton Cemetery (remember the dead), Baxter Community Center (count the cost) and Martin Luther King Park (reflect on King's opposition to war & ways to take action)

The march will focus on the cost of the war to Grand Rapids, which
will include speakers and informational handouts. We will also be
talking about military recruitment of our youth, the human cost of the
war - for both Afghanis and US soldiers and ending with a call to
action for people who want to continue to confront the war machine in
the US.

There will be drummers, signs and banners. Please bring noise makers
and your own signs. We will need people to help with going door to
door in the neighborhoods we walk through to hand out information
flyers on the cost of the war.

Historic First in Nation's Fast Food Industry, 200 Jimmy Johns Workers to Vote in NLRB Union Election on October 22

Jimmy John's Workers Union

Potential Turning Point for Labor as Millions in Service Sector Face Deepening Poverty

MINNEAPOLIS– The National Labor Relations Board confirmed today that it will conduct a union election for 200 workers at ten Minneapolis-area Jimmy John's on October 22, an historic first in the nation's almost entirely non-union fast food industry. The secret ballot union election could be a turning point for labor at a time of deepening poverty for millions of Americans affected by the recession, many of whom are employed in low-wage service sector jobs.

“People who thought of themselves as middle class or upwardly-mobile two years ago are now making minimum wage at Jimmy John's, with no real prospects for moving up. If these are the kinds of jobs that American workers will be stuck with, then we are going to make them quality jobs for working families,” said Mike Wilkow, a union member at Jimmy Johns.

If a majority of workers vote in favor of unionization, the company will be legally bound to negotiate with a bargaining team elected by its employees.

The unprecedented fast food union campaign at Jimmy John's comes at a time of deepening economic misery for US workers. According to a recent report by the US Census Bureau, a record-breaking 43.6 million Americans– 1 in 7 people– are living in poverty. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the unemployment rate at 9.6%, with 14.9 million people out of work and uncounted millions more too discouraged to look for work. Layoffs and outsourcing have decimated higher-paid jobs, particularly strongholds of unionization such as manufacturing and construction, forcing many workers to seek employment in low-wage areas of the economy once reserved for teenagers and students. For many, it feels like food service and retail are the only jobs left.

While many workers are forced to seek employment in food service, industry wages and working conditions are widely regarded as substandard; in 2009, the median wage in the fast food industry was $8.28/hr and as of July 2010, the average workweek in fast food was only 24.3 hours. The median annual income for fast food workers is $10,462, or $871 per month. This is less than half the federal poverty line of $21,954 for a family of four, and below the federal poverty line of $ 10,830 for an individual. Jimmy John's is below industry standards, paying most workers the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr, scheduling most workers less than 20 hours/week, and offering no benefits.

Unionization has clear allure to poverty-wage food service workers. According to figures released by the Bureau of National Affairs, union members in the food service industry earned on average $2.36 more per hour, a 32% difference, than non-union workers in the same industry in 2009.

Despite the appeal of higher wages and better benefits, union density in the fast food industry is stuck at only 1.8%, far below the national average of 12.3%. Unionization efforts have been stymied by stiff employer resistance and professional “union avoidance” firms that specialize in thwarting NLRB election campaigns. 75% of employers avail themselves of third-party anti-union consultants when their employees petition for an NLRB election, according to a recent study by noted Cornell University labor scholar Kate Bronfenbrenner. The study demonstrates that many employers embark on union-busting campaigns consisting of threats, intimidation, firings, interrogation, and even spying. Due largely to these factors, only 45% of NLRB elections conducted from 1999-2003 resulted in a union victory.

Success for the union at Jimmy John's could be a major breakthrough for labor in an industry known for low union density and deplorable working conditions. Jimmy John's workers say they possess the resolve to see through what they acknowledge will be a tough fight. Jaim'ee Bolte, a member of the union, says, “People say fast food is unorganizable. We say failure is not an option. Service industry jobs are the future and our future needs to have quality jobs for working families with living wages, affordable healthcare, paid time off, consistent hours, and basic respect. It's time for change in America, we hope this will be a turning point for all workers.”

The Jimmy Johns Workers Union, open to employees at the company nationwide, is affiliated with the Industrial Workers of the World labor union. Gaining prominence in recent years for organizing Starbucks workers, the IWW is a global union founded over a century ago for all working people.

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JimmyJohnsWorkers.org

Related:
US Census Bureau- Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2009
http://www.census.gov/prod/2010pubs/p60-238.pdf

Economic Policy Institute- No Holds Barred: The Intensification of Employer Opposition to Organizing
http://www.epi.org/page/-/pdf/bp235-fact-sheet.pdf

Bureau of Labor Statistics- Union Members 2009
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/union2.nr0.htm

Know Your Rights: in the Workplace

The Grand Rapids Free School has a series of workshops called Know Your Rights. The workshop this Saturday will be on Workplace Rights.

"As an 'at-will' employee I don't have any rights because they can fire me whenever they want for whatever they want."

ALL WORKERS HAVE RIGHTS. Most of us don't know what they are or how to use them. Come to this brief introduction of your rights on the job. Learn the tools to defend your rights and build a democratic workplace.

Know Your Rights: In the Workplace
Saturday Sept. 18th, 2 PM @ The Bloom Collective
671 Davis NW GR, MI 49504

"Freaky Fast Sandwiches" more like "Freaky Low Wages," one area-group says

Originally from the Rapidian

Photo Credit: Nick Manes

Demonstrators Outside of Eastown Jimmy John's

The Jimmy John’s sandwich chain is known for their “Freaky Fast Sandwiches,” witty signs, and primarily college-age staff. Poor labor practices is something that they are not well known for. However, the Industrial Workers of the World are hoping to change that.

On Labor Day (Monday) afternoon, around a dozen people stood in the rain outside of the Jimmy John’s store on Wealthy Street in Eastown. Local organizer for the IWW Cole Dorsey explained that the demonstration was done as part of a solidarity campaign with Jimmy John’s workers in Minneapolis, Minn.

Dorsey said that the workers in Minneapolis had been organizing for a couple of years, primarily around issues of increased wages, seeking benefits, scheduled breaks and a host of other matters. This past Thursday, the Minnesota workers went public with their demand letter to Jimmy John’s management but were denied an opportunity to meet with the franchise owners. Dorsey added that within a short period of time, there were multiple ads on the Minneapolis Craig’s List looking for new workers.

Here in Grand Rapids, Dorsey said that the local chapter of the IWW began going to area Jimmy John’s on Friday and speaking with employees.

“People voiced their disapproval of making minimum wage, not having scheduled breaks, and no sick days the most,” Dorsey said of his conversations with Grand Rapids Jimmy John’s employees. “We have given national and local contact info to every worker we’ve contacted. We are following up with every worker that contacts us” Dorsey added via email.

Monday’s solidarity demonstration was attended by primarily IWW members, but some people were just there to show their support as well.

IWW member Lou Palus explained that he attended in support of solidarity for Jimmy John’s employees to earn better wages. “Without a union, employees have no voice; it’s just the corporations.”

Supporter Evelyn Stone said, “workers have been courageous to stand up for their rights ... They are setting a good example.”

This reporter did go into the Eastown Jimmy John’s store during the demonstration to attempt to get a comment from either the manager or one of the employees. However, that request was denied.

IWW holds Solidarity picket in Grand Rapids for Jimmy John’s workers

Originally posted on GRIID

by Jeff Smith (GRIID)

Today, 10 members of the local chapter of the IWW and a few supporters stood in the rain outside of the Jimmy John’s restaurant in Eastown today to show support for a new national effort to unionize fast food restaurant chain in the US.

IWW members received primarily positive responses from people walking and driving by the Jimmy John’s location on Wealthy Street near the intersection of Lake Dr and Wealthy.

Despite sending out a Media Release to dozens of local news agencies, the only coverage of the solidarity picket came from Indy media sources, GRIID and a citizen journalist with the Rapidian. WZZM 13 did run a story about the planned picket yesterday, but no commercial news agencies showed up today, despite the obvious tie in to Labor Day.

We had a chance to interview IWW member Cole Dorsey after the solidarity picket and asked him about the campaign to support Jimmy John’s workers and related matters.

I.W.W Union to picket in front of Wealthy St. Jimmy John's on Labor Day

This originally appeared at WZZM13

Grand Rapids, Mi. (WZZM) - Demands for improvements to working conditions have some Jimmy John's employees unionizing around the nation. One West Michigan location will be a test-ground on Labor Day.

About twenty I.W.W (Industrial Workers of the World) members, from the Grand Rapids chapter, will picket in front of the Wealthy St. Jimmy John's Monday from noon to 1pm, representing the franchise's employees across the nation who feel they're underappreciated in the workplace, in support of the Jimmy John's labor dispute in Minneapolis which started it all.

"A lot of Jimmy John's workers are asked to work one and two hour shifts, or are expected to put wear and tear on their vehicles without compensation," says Cole Dorsey, Grand Rapids organizer of the I.W.W. "It's difficult to get sick days or to get job-related workman's compensation [from Jimmy John's management]."

So, Dorsey and the rest of the Grand Rapids I.W.W. will represent area Jimmy John's employees in protest Monday. Leafleting and picketing is planned for 32 of the 39 states in which Jimmy John's operates.

Minneapolis Jimmy John's co-owner, Mike Mulligan said in a statement last week: "We are very proud of our employment record in Minneapolis and take issue with the claims of the I.W.W. We value our relationship with our employees and offer competitive wages and good local jobs. We are dedicated to providing a fair, equal and diverse workplace environment."

Dorsey, and his I.W.W. members, don't see it that way.

"Sexual harrassment, better pay, benefits for non-managerial employees - that's what the union workers, the sisters and brothers in Minneapolis, want from us on Labor Day," says Dorsey.

Jimmy John's workers in Grand Rapids are not members of the I.W.W., but Dorsey hopes that changes after Monday's picketing.

"We've had contact with the [Jimmy John's] workers all across Grand Rapids," says Dorsey. "We're going to continue to work with them and organize them."

Despite the protest, it will be business as usual at the Wealthy St. Jimmy John's Monday.

"We are not trying to hinder business," says Dorsey. "We hope at some point in the future these workers will be coming together along the same demands as the Minneapolis workers, but they will not close down shop and be out here with us."

WZZM attempted to contact a member of the Wealthy St. Jimmy John's management for comment, but our phone call wasn't returned.

First in Nation, Jimmy Johns Sandwich Workers Join Union to Increase Minimum Wage Pay

Solidarity picket at Eastown Jimmy Johns Labor Day 2010 12pm-1pm


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jimmy Johns Workers Union (Industrial Workers of the World)

September 2, 2010

First in Nation, Jimmy Johns Sandwich Workers Join Union to Increase Minimum Wage Pay

Fast Food Chain Rocked by Work Stoppages in Sign of Mounting Economic Frustration among US Workers

Press Conference and Rally: 4pm September 2, Block E Jimmy Johns, Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS- Service was anything but 'freaky fast' at Jimmy Johns today as workers walked off the kitchen floor in an unprecedented move to demand improved wages and working conditions at nine Minneapolis franchise locations. Announcing the formation of the IWW Jimmy Johns Workers Union, the workers are seeking a pay increase to above minimum wage, consistent scheduling and minimum shift lengths, regularly scheduled breaks, sick days, no-nonsense workers compensation for job-related injuries, an end to sexual harassment at work, and basic fairness on the job.

“I have been working at Jimmy Johns for over two years and they still pay me minimum wage and schedule me one-hour shifts,” said Rikki Olsen, a union member at the Block E location. “I'm working my way through school and can barely make ends meet. I'd get another job, but things are just as bad across the service industry. Companies like Jimmy John's are profitable and growing, they need to provide quality jobs for the community.”

The Minneapolis franchise, owned and operated by Miklin Enterprises, Inc., pays the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr, offers no benefits, and has no full-time positions outside of management. Jimmy Johns corporate website lists $264,270 as the average yearly net profit for operating a franchise. Union members estimate that Rob and Mike Mulligan, owners of Miklin, Inc. made an annual profit of at minimum $2.3 million in the last year alone. The Miklin franchise plans to open four new locations this year at an estimated cost of over $1.2 million.

Jake Foucault, a delivery driver at the Riverside store, said, “ If Mike and Rob Mulligan have the money to open four new stores, then they have the money to pay us more than minimum wage. We hope Rob and Mike do the right thing and come to the negotiating table.”

A negotiating committee of Jimmy Johns workers plans to meet with the Mulligans at the Block E central office of the franchise to begin discussions at 4:00pm today.

The fast food workers' move to unionize is emblematic of mounting frustration amongst US workers with the sluggish pace of recovery from the Recession. With unemployment rates hovering around 9.5%, many workers view low wage service jobs as their only option. Employment in the food service industry is expected to grow 8.4% from 2008 to 2018, higher than the 7.7% rate predicted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for all industries. Wages and working conditions in the fast food industry are widely regarded as substandard; in 2009, 25% of workers in the service industry made less than $7.55 an hour, the highest percentage of any occupational group.

The union campaign at Jimmy Johns could hold deep implications for other companies in the fast food industry, a sector known for the lowest rates of unionization- and lowest wages- in the United States. Only 1.8% of food service workers were represented by a union in 2009, far below the nation-wide figure of 12.3%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The question of unionization of the food and service industries is assuming greater focus as employment in these non-union sectors increases, while manufacturing, the traditional stronghold of unionization, slides further into decline.

The Jimmy Johns Workers Union, open to employees at the company nationwide, is affiliated with the Industrial Workers of the World labor union. Gaining prominence in recent years for organizing Starbucks workers, the IWW is a global union founded over a century ago for all working people.

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JimmyJohnsWorkers.org

Know Your Rights in the Workplace

The Grand Rapids Free School has a series of classes titled "Know Your Rights". The next class will be on workplace rights and will be 2pm September 18 at Steepletown: 671 Davis Avenue Northwest Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Join Us in Solidarity with Benton Harbor!

August 10 Demonstration

(The Grand Rapids IWW is organizing a car pool to Benton Harbor August 10. If you want to join us email: griww@iww.org or call: 616-881-5263)

Originally posted on BANCO

Whirlpool continues to steal land from the residents of Benton Harbor. An inhumane culture has been created in the city by Whirlpool, the out-of-control development Harbor Shores, and Rep. Fred Upton. Residents are being driven out of their city.

The greedy corporations will be opening a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf course for the rich only in the middle of Benton Harbor.

The golf course will open August 10, 2010 at 10am. Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Johnny Miller, and Tom Watson will be in Benton Harbor. So bring your golf clubs and protest not only the golf course, but a massive and destructive example of the corporate power which rules us all.

Benton Harbor needs your help.
MASS DEMONSTRATION AUGUST 10, 2010, 10am
Rally and march begins at City Hall
200 Wall St.
Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022

For more information or to request
speaking time at rally, contact
Rev. Pinkney 269-925-0001

Hear "Pinkney to Pinkney" radio program
blogtalkradio.com
Every Sunday, 5-6pm

Until the Final Victory: Celebrating Six Years of the IWW Starbucks Workers Union

The IWW Starbucks Workers Union is proud to celebrate the sixth anniversary of our campaign for fair wages, consistent scheduling, a healthier and safer workplace, and a voice on the job at the world's largest coffee chain. As we enter our sixth year of struggle, we leave behind us a year marked by the continued rapid deterioration of working conditions at Starbucks: the doubling of our health insurance costs, massive layoffs, reduced staffing, and the continued disregard of greedy company executives for the well-being of hard-working Baristas and their families– even as Starbucks achieves record profits of $760.3 million in the last 12 months. This represents a profit of roughly $5354 from each of Starbucks 142,000 workers. Rather than return the wealth of our labor to hard-working Baristas who are living in poverty, Starbucks executives issued the first-ever dividend to shareholders, further enriching the financial class that has driven our world to ruin in the worst economic crisis since 1929. However, even as conditions continue to worsen in corporate management's greed-fueled race to the bottom, our movement for justice at work continues to gather strength. We now take a moment to celebrate our victories as we prepare for the battles to come.

In the past year, we gained members and took action to win our demands and build power on the job on shopfloors across the world. The Starbucks Workers Union expanded to Canada as Baristas in Quebec City joined the IWW in response to Starbucks new Optimal Scheduling system, which forces students to choose between keeping their jobs and staying in school, and pressures working parents to choose between their children and their careers. In the United States, we have continued to gain ground in our fight to defend our right to organize, with Starbucks cornered into signing its sixth settlement agreement with the National Labor Relations Board pledging to end its anti-union misconduct. We gained valuable public support thanks to our new allies at Brave New Films, who launched a social media campaign to raise awareness of Starbucks' repeated and intentional violation for our right to organize. A YouTube video about the Starbucks Workers Union filmed by Brave New Films was viewed over 80,000 times, forcing a response from Starbucks. In New York, Starbucks was hit by yet another NLRB legal complaint, increasing pressure on company bosses to respect our right to association.

Despite continued illegal interference from management, we have forged ahead with organizing efforts, welcoming scores of new members to the campaign and taking numerous direct actions to win gains on the job. In St. Paul, MN, the Starbucks Workers Union sprang to the defense of wrongfully-fired Barista Azmera Mebrahtu as she was unjustly targeted by Partner & Asset Protection. In Fort Worth, TX, union Baristas took direct action to demand the right to call in sick when they were forced to work with H1N1 symptoms, as well as to highlight Starbucks' decision to line executives pockets by doubling our healthcare costs. In New York City, baristas called on Starbucks executives to end their hypocrisy and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by offering holiday pay on MLK Day. We stood up for the right of all workers to a workplace free to sexual harassment by standing with barista Kati Moore in her battle with the company over their support for a supervisor who repeatedly coerced her into sex. Unfortunately, we found that tolerance of sexual harassment has its roots high in the corporate hierarchy at Starbucks. Our public stance in support of Kati Moore inspired high-level managers to expose the pattern of sexual harassment and abuse engaged in by Starbucks Regional Vice President Andrew Alfano.

Looking back, we are horrified by the intensifying cycle of exploitation and abuse that corporate management is unleashing on workers at Starbucks. But looking ahead, we are confident that our movement will continue to gain strength. Our struggle for an independent voice on the job will end in triumph for Starbucks workers.

Until the final victory!

IWW Reclaims May Day in Grand Rapids

Organell Williams and the Bottom Line Band

Reverend Pinkney - President Black Autonomy Network Community Organization, President NAACP (Benton Harbor), Vice Chair Michigan Green Party


Article originally posted on GRIID

Yesterday, about 200 people came to a May Day event at Martin Luther King Park, hosted by the Grand Rapids Chapter of the IWW. Reclaiming the original day when working people gathered together to build solidarity and community, the IWW invited a variety of organizations to come and talk about their work, enjoy some food and live music throughout the day.

There were representatives from Stop Targeting Our Kids (STOK), the Bloom Collective, a new socialist student group at GVSU, Our Kitchen Table, an anti-foreclosure group and the West Michigan Coalition for Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

In addition to the speakers there were children’s activities, a community potluck, information tables and the Really Really Free Market. All of this combined provided an atmosphere of solidarity and a chance for people to build community.

The IWW also passed out a document reflecting their core beliefs and current position on issues of importance to working people and their families. The document read:

* We believe that that this economic system of exploitation, capitalism, where profits are valued more than people, is inherently unjust. The IWW wants to replace Capitalism with an economic model where everyone’s needs are met. We envision a society where workers take possession of the means of production, abolish the wage system, and live in harmony with the Earth.
* We believe that all workers have the right to organize. The IWW has a history of organizing everyone in the working class, even students and the unemployed. In Grand Rapids we have organized Starbucks workers and are planning a new organizing campaign of bar and restaurant workers.
* We believe that until Capitalism is replaced with a better economic system that all workers have a right to a livable wage. Right now in the US according to United for a Fair Economy, the average CEO makes 344 times more than the average worker. CEOs are not more valuable than workers and we will work with anyone on a campaign for a livable wage ordinance for Grand Rapids and Kent County.
* We believe that the US government has misused taxpayers’ money by bailing out Wall Street, which has done nothing more than reward institutions engaged in criminal behavior. Hundreds of thousands of people are losing their homes to foreclosure and unemployment and while underemployment affects millions, the rich are rewarded. The IWW condemns both the bailout and the so-called federal economic stimulus. Imagine what would have happened if the money the government gave to Wall Street Bankers went to the American public to pay off all our mortgages and to pay workers a livable wage. That would have been a real economic stimulus!
* We believe, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., that a nation that spends more on war than it does on the well being of its citizens is deplorable. As of today, the US has spent $989 Billion of taxpayers’ money on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, $518 million from Grand Rapids alone. The IWW condemns these wars and the use of the working class to fund and fight them.
* We believe that no human being is “illegal”. We are firmly opposed to SB 1070 in Arizona, which disenfranchises and criminalizes a whole race of people. As a union formed by immigrants we stand in solidarity with all immigrants. Liberal “free trade” policies like NAFTA and CAFTA create a race to the bottom at the expense of ALL workers.

MAYDAY 2010!

Celebrate MAYDAY 2010 in Grand Rapids! May 1st in Martin Luther King Jr. Park. To include: Community Potluck, Hip Hop Artists, Bands, Speakers, Kids Activities...

Performances by: BMG Entertainment, Chance Jones, Euphoria, Kelly O'Brien and the Bridge Street Special, Jihad Islam, Pain and Glory, Organel Williams and the Bottom Line Band, Alexis, Todd Krabs,...

11a.m. to 1 p.m. Community Potluck. Bring food to share or just bring an appetite.

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. "Really, Really Free Market"
The goal of the really really free market is to gather a variety of people from the community to share a talent, information, something one has an abundance of, or something anyone wants to share. Hopefully some art, music, bicycle repair, moped repair, hair cuts, Yoga, Clothes, fruits and veggies

1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Stop Targeting Our Kids (STOK) will offer a range of kids activities such as face-painting, coloring, and games

Performances All Day

Participating organizations: Grand Rapids Hip Hop Coalition, The Bloom Collective, Grand Rapids Institute for Information Democracy, League of Revolutionaries for a New America, Workers Solidarity Alliance, Lansing Workers Center, Grand Rapids IWW, Black Autonomy Network Community Organization, United States Social Forum, Stop Targeting Our Kids, Our Kitchen Table,Humane Society of GVSU...

More artists and organizations to be announced!

If your organization would like to participate or your a musical artist contact:
grandrapidsstarbucksunion@yahoo.com
616-881-5263

Grand Rapids and Chicago were the leading cities of the original MAYDAY. In 1886 7,000 furniture workers of the Knights of Labor left their workplaces for an impromptu march for the eight hour work day on May 1st. This ribbon is from the Grand Rapids MAYDAY 1886

Statement of Solidarity with Kati Moore, barista that was sexually assaulted by her supervisor while Starbucks did nothing

STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY WITH KATI MOORE
from the IWW Starbucks Workers Union


Kati Moore is a hero.


We, as workers at Starbucks, stand in complete solidarity with former barista, Kati Moore. Kati, at 20 years old, has far more integrity than the 56 year-old billionaire, Starbucks' CEO, Howard Schultz. She has taken a fierce stand on behalf of every worker who has been made to feel that they were merely the sexual property of an abusive, manipulative employer. When Kati came forward, we felt that she did so in an effort to protect each and every barista at Starbucks, and every underage employee working in retail, from experiencing her pain. We hope that her courage will give others the strength to speak up, and the strength to fight back when they feel they are at their weakest. Kati's experience shows us that we CAN stare down corporations like Starbucks and declare that we deserve to feel safe at work, that we deserve respect, and that we, if victimized, are not alone.


What Happened?


Kati Moore filed a lawsuit against Starbucks in 2007 because of the company's failure to act when she told her manager about the abuse she was going through. She is rightfully suing for monetary damages due to Starbucks' failure to comply with the law when her superiors in the company obtained knowledge of sexual assault between a minor and an adult, as well as a worker and a boss.

At the young age of 16, Kati was introduced to the workforce with her first job as a barista at a Starbucks in Orange County, CA. She was quickly taken advantage of by her then-24-year-old, Shift Supervisor, Tim Horton. Horton coerced Kati into a sexually abusive relationship. As the situation worsened, Kati bravely sought help by disclosing the abuse to her assistant store manager.

By not doing anything to stop the abuse or hold Horton accountable for his actions, the manager violated various laws that are in place to protect minors from sexual abuse, in addition to the laws surrounding sexual harassment in the workplace. As with many claims of sexual harassment at Starbucks, the person being harassed (in this case, Kati) was transferred to another store while the perpetrator received no repercussions for what they had done. Once Horton was tried for his offense of illegal sex with a minor,--in a separate case from the one between Kati and Starbucks--he served a four month prison sentence.

The law proclaims what Horton did was wrong, so why doesn't Starbucks?

When the company got word that Kati's story--which has been public knowledge for years--would be aired on national television, Starbucks issued several company-wide memos that reeked of lies and deception. The most disgusting assertion the company made was that what happened was a "consensual relationship." This statement is not only false in more ways than one, but de-criminalizes the actions of Tim Horton and re-victimizes the experience of Kati Moore and others that have experienced sexual abuse.

As defined by California penal code 261.5, sex with a minor (under age 18) is illegal and considered statutory rape. "Rape", by definition, is NEVER consensual. Under the law, Tim Horton raped Kati Moore and he is held responsible for having sex with a minor. This relationship was by no means consensual, and by saying it was, Starbucks is effectively stating its support of Horton once more (since it paid his legal fees in the earlier case where he was convicted of statutory rape) and framing Moore as "wanting it."

Furthermore, in a sexual relationship between a worker and a boss, the boss is the one held accountable in the relationship, because they are in a position of power. Thus, according to the first Supreme Court decision on sexual harassment: "The question is not whether the employee’s conduct was voluntary but whether the boss’s conduct was unwelcome…An employer can be held liable for sexual harassment committed by supervisors if it knew or should have known about the conduct and did nothing to correct it." (Meritor Savings Banks v. Vinson, 477 U.S. 57, 40FEP Cases 1822). Therefore, even if Kati's part in the relationship was "voluntary" the relationship is NOT consensual. Under the law, Kati experienced sexual harassment and assault. Kati herself describes the relationship as coercive, saying she feared for her job. Starbucks is responsible for their inaction, because under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, employers are liable to prevent and stop sexual harassment of their employees.

Therefore, Kati is not responsible for her actions in the eyes of the law, but Horton and Starbucks definitely are responsible.

Starbucks Needs to Seriously Reconsider Its Treatment of Kati and The Way They Deal with Cases of Sexual Harassment.

Whether Kati wins or loses, our main concern as workers is Starbucks' poor treatment of employees who come forward with cases of sexual harassment.

At Starbucks, sexual harassment issues are often joked about. Many who come forward do so through accessing the supposedly confidential "Ethics Hotline" only to have the information spread throughout the store, to get transferred without their consent, or to be told that they are lying. In several instances that we were told in confidence or have experienced as individuals, claims are said to be under investigation but are never discussed again and meanwhile an abused or otherwise violated worker must work alongside their perpetrator. In that time, the worker may experience retaliation for coming forward or be pushed into quitting in order to feel safe. We have even heard of circumstances where perpetrators of sexual harassment at Starbucks who were seen as favorites were promoted in order to have them transferred away from their victim(s).

No one should ever have to choose between their livelihood and their personal safety and well being.

In Kati's case, one could make a decent argument that Starbucks' poor training for managers on sexual harassment is to blame. Regardless of who is at fault for the actual offenses, or for the creation of the environment that made them commonplace at Kati's store, Starbucks is most certainly to blame for their disgusting choice of legal representation. By using Akin Gump, the same law firm that Starbucks employs to attempt to destroy the union organizing efforts of its employees, it becomes abundantly clear how Starbucks feels about their workers. Time and again, Starbucks ferociously defends its fortune and public image at the expense of common decency. "They are trying to defend themselves by calling me a slut," said Kati.. "It's intimidation. It's harassing to sit though deposition and just be re-victimized."

The way Starbucks has defended themselves by insinuating Kati is a slut, she could sue for defamation. When Kati decided to go public with her name and face through an interview with 20/20, Starbucks retaliated by petitioning Federal Judge Anthony J. Guilford to allow her past sexual history to be revealed in court, despite the fact that someone's past sexual history has zero bearing on whether or not they were sexually abused. This blame the victim mentality is unacceptable, especially for a company that spends so much money trying to convince the public that they are "socially responsible."

Shame on Judge Guilford and shame on Starbucks.

Kalen Holmes should step down, or be removed, from the post of Executive V.P. for Partner (Human) Resources.

As current employees at Starbucks, we are disturbed to see how our Executive V.P for Partner Resources, Kalen Holmes, has been conducting herself. We realize that she is the female face that Howard Schultz has chosen to speak through in regards to this case. If you'll notice, the Starbucks CEO so familiar with public appearances, has yet to speak on this matter to the media or his vast number of employees. In a previous statement announcing Holmes' hiring, it was mentioned that she directly reports to Howard Schultz. That said, it is clear where her hurtful words are really coming from...straight from the top of the Starbucks corporate chain. Schultz seems to think that putting a female executive's face to this stream of hateful words will make the public agree with Starbucks' stance. As if a woman blaming another woman's family for her assault and not being raised with good enough values, supposedly, is going to wipe away the clear misogyny of the statements. Holmes doesn't speak of the family of the 24yr old Tim Horton but only of the "choices" of a 16yr old girl. We feel that while Schultz is ultimately to blame for this smear campaign against Kati, it does not excuse Kalen Holmes from always having the choice to act with integrity and refuse to take part in trying to destroy this young woman's life. If it meant losing her job, then we feel she still should have stood on the side of the victimized rather than a CEO and corporation that would rather support a rapist.

What Can You Do to Support Kati and Hold Starbucks Accountable?

- Tell everyone you know about Kati. Feel free to repost this statement or a link to it anywhere you like. We'd appreciate an email to let us know you did. starbucksunion@yahoo.com
- Join the Facebook group, "Kati Moore is a Hero", and show your support for her while receiving updates about the case, and announcements of actions done to support Kati.
- Email Starbucks' Business Ethics department at BusinessConduct@Starbucks.com
- Fill out a comment card, available at Starbucks, mail your thoughts to the company. It's postage paid.
- Call Starbucks customer relations hotline at (800) 235-2883 to voice your support for Kati.

What Can We Do as Workers at Starbucks?

- Fill out a mission review and send Starbucks your thoughts on this
- Help spread the truth to your coworkers. Starbucks is doing the best they can to silence any workers talking about Kati and what she's gone through. You have the right to discuss these issues and can't not be silenced just because they don't want to hear about it.
- Refer coworkers to this statement
- Join the Facebook group in support of Kati - Kati Moore is a Hero
- Stories have been coming in about Baristas putting up notes at work in support of Kati. Some workers have started wearing "Stop Rape" pins on their uniforms. Get creative.
- Stand up for each other. Lend support for your coworker if you know they're going through a similar experience.
- If you've experienced sexual harassment at work and want support, feel free to contact us anytime. Everything will be confidential and we will never do anything in your name without your consent.

Resources for those affected by sexual harassment and/or assault:

* You can call the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network at 1-800-656-HOPE. Your call is free and completely confidential. Also, online at www.rainn.org

* If you are facing sexual harassment at your workplace, Sexual Harassment Support is an excellent resource for fighting back against it. http://www.sexualharassmentsupport.org/

* You can also contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) if your workplace is in the United States. Website: www.eeoc.gov, or by phone, 1-800-669-4000

* If you're in Canada, the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Canada Labour Code protect against harassment in the workplace. Learn more at http://www.chrc-ccdp.ca/

* If you are having a hard time finding resources in your area for support you can email starbucksunion@yahoo.com and we will try to help you with finding local assistance.

Fundraiser for workers a success (GRIID)

Originally posted on GRIID

Dorsey and various audience members put the following questions to Abe Mwaura.

Q. Prior to getting national publicity, did Republic Window and Doors or local police use any scare tactics to dissuade workers from taking action?

A. Mwaura explained that because the workers had already communicated to their local Chicago alderman that the action would be nonviolent, the police knew what was going on and did not respond on behalf of management. “Management was scared by what we did. We took power away from them. It was our factory for six days. It was clear that we controlled the place.”

Q. Republic Windows and Doors claimed that the reason they were closing was because Bank of America would not extend them a line of credit. Was this the truth?

A. Mwaura explained that this was a lie. The company owner had actually bought a shadow company in Iowa, a Right to Work state where the UE would have less power to organize workers. Having noticed equipment being taken out of their plant, the local in Chicago set up surveillance that confirmed suspicions of an imminent plant closing. Management also stole money to set up the new plant. “Bank of America had been calling these shots since August. They were actually moving the factory. We knew we had to do some fairly radical action to win justice.”

Q. Did you have any other actions planned?

A. “There was no plan B,” Mwaura said. “The national union suggested it (the occupation). Armando, brought the idea back. The executive comittee asked for volunteers. The first workers to volunteer to occupy the plant were women. Nine or ten women offered first. Eventually 30 folks volunteered. When it came down to it. It was unanimous. All 260 folks were going to stay in the factory. They knew they were going to be part of something big.”

Q. What did you do for six days?

A. The six-day occupation was not six days of passing time. Committees worked hard carrying out the extensive tasks of negotiations, security, clean-up, and media relations, to name a few. “There was a real sense of what our leverage was—those windows, doors and machines were our leverage and the bank knew it.” On the weekends, the workers did play a little cards; many of the workers’ children came during evenings and on the weekend. “The probably got a better education that they ever got in school,” Mwaura said.

Q. What was the biggest lesson that the Republic workers taught the labor movement?

A. “It’s possible to take radical steps and win.”

Q. Republic workers had good publicity and political support. How possible would their success have been without that support?

A. “It would have been hard, but we weren’t relying on that support. Our leverage was the stuff in the factory. When you’re out of a job, you don’t have your leverage. Our labor was they millions of windows and doors in that factory,” Mwaura said. “If the tactic is to be used, you have to build alliances before you can do that type of action.”

Q. What are you working on now?

A. UE is mounting a movement to organize warehouse workers in the Chicago area. Armando is now president of the new local, “Warehouse Workers for Justice.” “This is a sector of the economy where we could build power,” Mwaura said.

Many warehouse workers in the Chicago are, which is the third largest container port in the world, work in dangerous sweatshop conditions for as little as $2 an hour. Others are not paid for hours worked or are paid in split paychecks that avoid payment of overtime rates. Racial and gender discrimination runs rampant, especially against pregnant workers.

Mwaura used an analogy of a huge elephant obediently tethered by a weak chain. The chain has been there so long that the elephant does not realize it can break it and run free. “We need to take that psychological chain off from our minds and see the power that we really have. UE believes in leadership development through struggle. A year after the occupation, that’s the piece that’ s missing—organizing that helps workers break that chain.”

Benefit for Factory Workers (The Rapidian)

Originally posted on The Rapidian

A year ago this December, workers at the Republic Windows and Doors Factory in Chicago, Illinois were informed by management that the factory would be closing in three days and they would receive no severance or vacation pay. Rather than just accept this illegal action, the workers with the help of their union, the United Electrical Radio and Machine Workers, decided to occupy the factory. After six days of negotiations with the company's creditors, the workers won their pay.
On Saturday night here in Grand Rapids, The Bloom Collective and the Grand Rapids chapter of the Industrial Workers of the World sponsored a benefit at the Kent Ionia Labor Hall to raise money for the workers and the UE union who are currently engaged in organizing similar actions.
A documentary on the factory occupation was shown and UE organizer Abe Mwaura held a question and answer session from Chicago via Skype.
Event and local IWW organizer Cole Dorsey was also on hand. Dorsey said this is an important issue because “Workers can take an example from the sit-downers because workers hands are tied when they rely solely on legal means.”
Following the question and answer session, local band Chance Jones performed for close to an hour. Lead singer Josh Burge said “We [Chance Jones] support working people. That's who we are.”
According to the IWW Facebook page, the event raised over $440 for the workers.

Steamed Baristas Shut Down Fort Worth Starbucks Drive-Thru, Demand Affordable Healthcare and Paid Sick Days for those with H1N1

December 18, 2009

Steamed Baristas Shut Down Fort Worth Starbucks Drive-Thru to Demand Affordable Healthcare and Paid Sick Days for those Diagnosed with H1N1

Press Conference: December 18, 12:00 noon, 8th and W. Rosedale Starbucks, Fort Worth

Fort Worth, TX- Baristas and community supporters at the 8th and Rosedale Starbucks shut down the store’s drive-thru this morning and delivered a list of demands including affordable health care options and sick days for those displaying H1N1 or other cold and flu symptoms. Starbucks doubled the cost of the company health insurance plan in September, leaving many workers unable to afford treatment because of sky-high deductibles and premiums.

“We’ve had enough. Baristas should not be forced to expose customers to H1N1 or other contagions and stay sick longer, just in order to be able to make the money they need to support their families and pay astronomical health care costs. We’re making $7.30/hr., that’s a nickel above minimum wage,” said IWW Barista Michelle Cahill.

The protesting baristas are members of the Starbucks Workers Union, which is an international campaign of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) labor union. The store action makes the 8th and Rosedale location the first Starbucks in Texas to have a public union presence.

Baristas decided to move toward unionization after many workers were forced to continue working while displaying intense H1N1 and other flu symptoms, enhancing the likelihood of spreading the flu virus. The baristas are demanding that those who display H1N1 or other cold and flu symptoms be excused from work with pay to avoid exposing customers to Swine Flu.

Casey Keeling, another union barista at the store, said, “Watching our coworkers be forced to serve customers while they were sick with H1N1 was the last straw. Something needs to change- in our workplace and in this country. We have decided to form a union to fight for affordable health insurance, paid sick days, a fair wage, and secure work hours. And they could at least give us a first aid kit for the store.”

While portraying itself as a ‘socially-responsible’ employer, all of Starbucks' retail hourly workers in the U.S. are part-time employees with no guaranteed number of work hours per week. According to Starbucks figures released to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 40.9% of its employees (including managers) are covered by the company health care package, a lower percentage than the oft-criticized Wal-Mart, which insures 47% of its workforce.

Since the launch of the IWW campaign at Starbucks on May 17, 2004, the company has been cited multiple times for illegal union-busting by the National Labor Relations Board. The company settled numerous complaints against it and a judge's guilty verdict on more than 30 additional rights’ violations was recently upheld on appeal by the Board in D.C. Starbucks’ large anti-union operation is headed by CEO Howard Schultz and operated in conjunction with the Akin Gump law firm and the Edelman public relations firm.

The IWW Starbucks Workers Union is a grassroots organization of over 300 current and former employees at the world's largest coffee chain united for secure work hours and a living wage. The union has members throughout the United States and Canada fighting for systemic change at the company and remedying individual grievances with management.

Union baristas, bussers, and shift supervisors have fought successfully toward improved scheduling and staffing levels, increased wages, and workplace safety. Workers who join the union have immediate access to co-workers and members of the community who will struggle with them for a better life on the job.

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Republic Sit-Downers Fundraiser: Movie about occupation, Q&A; with participants, live music Chance Jones Dec. 19 7pm

Republic Sit-Downers Fundraiser in Grand Rapids December 19th

7pm Film - Hasta La Victoria (Until the Victory) followed by
discussion with UE members and workers who participated in the
Republic Windows and Doors occupation in December of 2008.

9pm - Live music with Chance Jones

Tickets are $5 or $10 All proceeds go to sit-downers

Kent-Ionia Labor Hall 918 Benjamin NE

Sponsored by Industrial Workers of the World (Grand Rapids) and the Bloom Collective

IWW Union Members Act in Solidarity with Workers Fired from Bissell Warehouse

Originally posted on Grand Rapids Institute for Information Democracy

Picket Kohl's on Black Friday in Solidarity with Fired Warehouse Workers

Fired Workers Website here

Join Us on Black Friday:
November 27 1pm
Kohl's (Alpine) 745 Center Drive, Walker, MI‎