AMERICAN LABOUR MINNEAPOLIS:
SOLIDARITY WITH CHIPOTLE WORKERS:


The following call for a solidarity action with Chipotle workers in the Minneapolis area comes from the SEIU Local 26.
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Solidarity with Chipotle Workers Action
Time Thursday, January 20 · 10:00am - 1:00pm

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Location SEIU Local 26 Union Hall
706 North 1st Street, Suite 110
Minneapolis, MN

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Created By SEIU Local 26

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More Info
Join us and our allies as we let Chipotle know that workers rights are just as important as animal rights. We'll be gathering at the SEIU Local 26 Hall and traveling to a nearby restaurant to let the fast-food restaurant know enough is enough.

Integrity starts with people.

In December, right before Christmas, Chipotle abruptly fired more than 150 Latino immigrant workers at multiple stores in Minneapolis, MN without notice or paying back wages. To continue using “Mexican” in its name and the chili pepper in its logo, we expect Chipotle to treat the hardworking Mexican American employees who’ve made their company a success with integrity and respect.

Chipotle prides itself on serving food with integrity; however it is not sufficiently committed to treating people with dignity. In fact, Chipotle treats its chickens and hogs better than it treats its employees The slogan, "Food with Integrity" means nothing when employees are treated with disdain.

The real winners of today’s broken immigration system are companies like Chipotle who reap huge profits off of a low-wage immigrant workforce. Instead of standing up for a comprehensive solution that would lift all worker wages, Chipotle scapegoats its workers and turns a blind eye, supporting practices and politicians that are anti-immigrant. Enforcement without comprehensive immigration reform just perpetuates a system
where corporations profit, workers suffer and our immigration problems continue to fester without relief.

IT’S TIME FOR CHIPOTLE TO STAND UP FOR WORKERS, SUPPORT IMMIGRATION REFORM

• We are calling upon Chipotle to stand up and treat its workers with the same dignity they give to their ingredients. We are asking Chipotle to do the following:
* Pay, in full, back wages to immigrant workers wrongly fired at Chipotle stores in Minneapolis, MN.
* Stand up for Comprehensive Immigration Reform, because it’s good for workers and it’s good for companies.
* Refuse to work with suppliers that support anti-immigrant candidates through political contributions.

AMERICAN LABOUR MINNESOTA:

ROUND TWO AT THE JIMMY JOHNS SHOPS:

This just in from the IWW Jimmy Johns Workers Union in Minneapolis and St. Paul...the National Labor Relations Board has ruled that the previous union election that the Union lost by a narrow 87-85 vote was invalid because of massive employer violations was invalid. This once again opens the matter of organizing at these shops. Here's the story from the Jimmy Johns Workers website.

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In Big Union Victory, Jimmy John's Union Election Nullified Due to Employer Labor Rights Violations
press release
Sandwich Workers Begin New Push for “10 Point Program” to Reform Fast Food Industry

MINNEAPOLIS– The National Labor Relations Board approved a settlement today nullifying the results of the historic October 22 union election at Jimmy John's, putting victory back on the table for the nation's first-ever union in franchised fast food. The settlement validates workers' claims that franchise owners Mike and Rob Mulligan were able to squeak out an 87-85 victory in the election only by resorting to unlawful tactics including threatening a wage freeze, intentionally fabricating rumors that the union engaged in sabotage, retaliating against union supporters, and numerous other labor rights violations.

With the tainted election results nullified, the union is asking the franchise owners to negotiate over its "10 Point Program for Justice at Jimmy John's," a comprehensive package of reforms that will bring respect, dignity, and democracy to the fast food workplace.

“There can now be no doubt that our rights were severely violated, but we're willing to put the past behind us. We are calling on Mike and Rob Mulligan to make a fresh start and work with us, rather than against us, to improve the lives of Jimmy John's workers and their families by negotiating over our 10 Point Program for modest but urgently needed changes,” said Micah Buckley-Farlee, a delivery driver at Jimmy John's and active member of the union campaign.

Based around benefits that workers in many other industries take for granted, the program is the response of Jimmy John's workers to their most pressing problems on the job. Core demands include sick days, improved job security, guaranteed work hours, a reasonable pay increase and regular raises, improved harassment policies, other basic job benefits, and the establishment of a system of shop committees giving workers a democratic voice within the company.

If franchise owners Mike and Rob Mulligan refuse to cooperate, the union has indicated a willingness to return to the trenches and continue the fight for union recognition, this time on terms that are much more favorable to the union due to the settlement agreement.

Under the NLRB settlement, Jimmy John's must cease engaging in a wide range of unlawful anti-union activities, post notices informing employees of the company's new commitment to obeying the law, and host a series of mandatory employee meetings in which a representative of the NLRB will read the notices in the presence of the company owner.

In 60 days, the Union will also be eligible to file for a fresh election at any point in the next 18 months, with an abbreviated “campaigning period” of 30 days, 12 days shorter than what is customary for NLRB elections.

Union member Ayo Collins said, "Mike and Rob Mulligan can either continue their losing battle against their employees, or they can work with us and distinguish themselves as leaders in bringing much-needed change to the nation's fast food industry. For our part, we're hoping for the best and preparing for the worst. We are more confident than ever that in the end, we will win, setting an example for 3.5 million fast food workers to follow."

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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http://www.jimmyjohnsworkers.org

AMERICAN LABOUR MINNEAPOLIS:

JIMMY JOHNS WORKERS UNION TO FILE UNFAIR LABOUR PRACTICES SUIT:

After recently narrowly (87 to 85) losing the Labour Board election to represent fast food workers at the Jimmy Johns outlets in the Twin Cities the Jimmy Johns Workers Union has filed a detailed unfair labour practices suit against management of the locations involved. One manager in particular engaged in a vicious anti-union campaign. The Union is also continuing to press for its demands in the workplaces despite having lost the election. Here's the story from the website of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW).

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Alleging Rampant Labor Rights Violations at Jimmy Johns, Workers Call on NLRB to Take Action on Manipulated Union Election
October 22, 2010 - Sandwich Workers to Continue to Press for Improved Working Conditions.

MINNEAPOLIS – The Jimmy John's Workers Union has filed a 12-page Objection to the October 22 NLRB election at 10 Minneapolis sandwich shops, outlining a pattern of pervasive and systemic labor rights violations that prevented the possibility of a free and fair vote. The union election, a first in fast food in the US, was as close as they come, with 85 votes in favor of the union, 87 against, and 2 challenged ballots.

"Franchise owner Mike Mulligan decided to go beyond the pale. His managers asked workers to wear anti-union pins, fired pro-union workers, threatened a mass firing, implemented an illegal wage freeze, tightened policies and retaliated against union members, offered bribes, and pressured workers to vote no. He broke the law repeatedly in order to win, and he just barely won. That's not right. We are calling on the NLRB to set aside the results of this election," said worker and union member Emily Przybylsky.

In response to his employee's union campaign, franchise owner Mike Mulligan hired a third-party anti-union consulting firm, Labor Relations Inc., to prevent employees from winning an NLRB Union election. According to documents obtained from the Department of Labor, Mulligan spent over $84,500 on an anti-union campaign intended to prevent workers from unionizing.

Tim Louris, of Minneapolis labor firm Miller O'Brien Cummins, is assisting the union pro-bono in navigating the tricky waters of labor law. Union spokespeople say the written objection to the election results will be available to the public within a few days.

While filing with the NLRB to have the election results nullified, the workers also plan to mount a campaign to win their demands without union recognition.

"85 yes votes, in spite of 6 weeks of vicious union-busting, is a mandate for change," said "There are a thousand ways we can put pressure on Jimmy John's to win our demands for fair wages, sick days, consistent hours, and respect. We're fired up, this fight is just beginning," said Ayo Collins, another worker and union member.

The Jimmy Johns Workers Union, open to employees at the company nationwide, is the first fast food union in the nation, and 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.

Related Links
•Restaurant, Hotel, and Building Service Workers Industrial Union 640
•Jimmy Johns Workers Union
•Twin Cities IWW
•IWW Starbucks Workers Union

AMERICAN LABOUR MINNEAPOLIS:

JIMMY JOHNS WORKERS UNION LOSES ELECTION IN CLOSE TALLY:

Close but no cigar. The Jimmy Johns Workers' Union in Minneapolis lost the Labour Board election that would have seen them representing workers in the 10 outlets in that city. the final tally was 85 in favour of the union and 87 against. US labour law says that a majority of those eligible to vote would have to vote yes to certify a union as the bargaining representative. In this case that would have meant 103 workers.

The IWW isn't giving up, and hopefully future efforts will be rewarded. The reader can see more and keep up to date on developments at both the Jimmy Johns Workers' Union site and also that of the Twin Cities IWW. Management fought a dirty campaign against the union, and there are quite a few unfair labour practices complaints in the works. As the following article from Business Week shows, red-baiting was part of their book of tricks. Nothing remarkable about this. What is remarkable, and it bodes well for the health of the American body politic, is that almost half the workers involved were unimpressed by scare words like "socialist-anarchist".

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Union’s Bid to Organize Minneapolis Sandwich Shops Rejected
October 23, 2010, 12:01 AM EDT
Oct. 23 (Bloomberg) -- Union efforts to recruit workers at U.S. fast-food restaurants were set back yesterday as Minneapolis employees at Jimmy John’s sandwich shops rejected a bid to affiliate with organized labor.

The Industrial Workers of the World, a Chicago-based group, failed to win enough votes at 10 shops where the union’s supporters complained of low wages and too few working hours. A tally showed 87 workers against the union and 85 in favor, with 103 votes, a majority of those eligible, needed to win, according to the National Labor Relations Board. The parties have seven days to file objections.

“We make minimum wage, and if the companies could pay us less, I’m sure they would,” said Ayo Collins, 20, who delivers sandwiches and is a union organizer at Jimmy John’s, a Champaign, Illinois-based chain with 1,000 U.S. shops. “We don’t have health care either.”

Success at Jimmy John’s would have been a breakthrough for organized labor in the fast-food business, where 1.3 percent of workers belong to a union and organizing is difficult because of rapid turnover and a young workforce, said Nelson Lichtenstein, a labor professor at the University of California at Santa Barbara. The drive signals that working conditions are “perhaps a real social problem that requires a more pressing solution,” he said.

Mike Mulligan, who owns the 10 franchises in Minneapolis that were targeted in the campaign, said he has been “more than fair” to his workers. He said the workers include a high percentage of minority employees and he has “zero tolerance” for sexual harassment. Most employees have been with the company for less than six months, and are paid minimum wage of $7.25-an- hour, he said.

Socialist Wobblies

The I.W.W., known as the Wobblies, has 1,600 U.S. members and few union contracts with employers. The socialist union ( "socialist" is a fair description, but it should be stressed that this doesn't imply any support for any electoral socialist party ie "small s" socialist- Molly )says on its website that there can be “no end to injustice and want until the profit system itself is abolished.” The union has tried in the past to organize baristas at Starbucks Corp.

Employees at two Jimmy John’s in downtown Chicago, which wasn’t part of the I.W.W. organizing, said yesterday that pay is low and hours are inadequate.

“Three hours Monday through Friday isn’t enough,” said Julian Western, 20, who said he makes $8.25 an hour at the Jimmy John’s at 2 N. Riverside Plaza and works side jobs to supplement his income. “You need a second job just to get enough to get by, pay bills.”

Western and his friend Susana Contreras, 20, a cashier and baker at a nearby Jimmy John’s, said they hadn’t heard of the effort in Minneapolis. He said the Wobblies would succeed if they tried to organize in Chicago.

Hours, Pay

“A lot of people are complaining about the hours and pay,” said Western, who works the cash register and hands out sandwiches. “They’d be more than happy to cooperate.”

Mulligan, a retired senior vice president with grocer Supervalu Inc., said he met frequently with workers in the past six weeks to combat the union effort. He told workers the I.W.W. is a “socialist-anarchist” group, and that the union wouldn’t be likely to improve their working conditions.

“They’re trying to take down the quick-service industry,” said Mulligan, who became a franchisee after he leaving Supervalu as a way of going into business with his son. “Our employees don’t deserve these people, and these people don’t deserve our employees.”

Robert Bruno, director of the labor education program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, said it’s significant for labor unions to target fast-food workers as potential union members.

“Some of the traditional rationales against unions in the industry -- that the workers are too young, they don’t stay on the job -- isn’t true any longer,” Bruno said. “Something has changed in the economy. It signals that you can’t take these workers for granted.”

--Editors: Steve Geimann, Larry Liebert

To contact the reporters on this story: Holly Rosenkrantz in Washington at hrosenkrantz@bloomberg.net; Flynn McRoberts in Chicago at fmcroberts1@bloomberg.net .

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Larry Liebert at lliebert@bloomberg.net .

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Here's how the Jimmy Johns Workers' Union themselves see the matter.

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Unfazed by near tie, Jimmy John’s Workers vow to continue campaign
by Twin Cities Iww on Friday, October 22, 2010 at 8:14pm.

Jimmy Johns Workers Union (Industrial Workers of the World) Contact: Erik Forman, 612-598-6205, Ayo Collins 612-281-0882



October 22, 2010

Unfazed by near tie, Jimmy John’s Workers vow to continue campaign
Workers report widespread illegal activity by company
MINNEAPOLIS – Workers at 10 Jimmy John’s franchise locations in Minneapolis are crying foul after a near tie in a union certification election marred by misconduct by owner MikLin enterprises. 85 workers voted in favor of unionization and 87 against, with two unknown contested ballots. Under the National Labor Relations Act, a tie goes to the employer.

Workers reported strong evidence of several violations of the National Labor Relations Act on and before election day, including attempted bribes of workers, management asking workers to wear anti-union pins, threats of mass firings, and anti-union firings. MikLin Enterprises currently stands charged with 22 alleged violations of the National Labor Relations Act.

“We are extremely disappointed with the company’s conduct in this matter; rather then letting simply letting us vote, management chose to break the law repeatedly during the last six weeks. They spent over $84,500 on a vicious anti-union smear campaign, that's over $1000 per vote. We do not recognize these election results as legitimate and will continue to fight for our demands,” said Erik Forman, a worker at Jimmy John’s and a union member.

Ayo Collins, a delivery driver, says the union “hasn’t put all their eggs in one basket” and has multiple avenues of action still open to them. He says the union is considering taking legal action against the company over their misconduct in the runup to the election.

"In a company with turnover approaching 50% each month, a majority at any given moment only means so much. We have a mandate- more than 85 of us are committed to continuing the fight for decent wages, consistent scheduling, sick days, and the basic respect and dignity that all workers deserve. This is just the beginning of the fight," said Collins.

The Jimmy Johns Workers Union, open to employees at the company nationwide, is the first fast food union in the nation, and 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 

AMERICAN LABOUR MINNEAPOLIS:
PRE-ELECTION PARTY FOR THE JIMMY JOHNS WORKERS:


The Labour Board elections for the Jimmy Johns outlets in the Twin Cities are coming up this Friday, and the IWW Jimmy John's Workers' Union is holding a sort of pre-victory celebration tomorrow night in anticipation. The IWW's organizing campaign with these workers is a great breakthrough for both the IWW and fast food workers in general. Here's the notice of the event.
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JIMMY JAMS! Pre-Election Party for the IWW Jimmy John's Workers Union
Time Tomorrow at 8:00pm - Friday at 12:00am

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Location The Paper Moose
945 Broadway NE
Minneapolis, MN

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Created By IWW Jimmy Johns Workers Union

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More Info
JIMMY JAMs
vol. 1: Pre-Election Party!

A concert featuring Jimmy John's workers bands!

-MENU-
PT -feat. Damien from Calhoun
False- feat. Niko from Calhoun
True Mutiny-feat. JJ from Block E
Oblivion- feat. Mike B. from Knollwood

and more!

This Thursday 8pm at the Paper Moose, 945 Broadway NE.

FREE for Jimmy John's workers

Donations welcome from supporters.

AMERICAN LABOUR MINNEAPOLIS:

JIMMY JOHNS WORKER THREATENED FOR PROTECTING PUBLIC:

Even though new and not yet duly registered the Jimmy Johns Workers Union in Minneapolis has already demonstrated the value of a good union to the general public. Here's from the Jimmy Johns Workers website the story of one worker who thinks public health is more important than corporate profits.

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Jimmy Johns Employee on the Chopping Block for Refusing to Serve Rotten Meat
Sandwich Workers and Customers Unite in Support of Working Class Hero

Press Conference and Delegation: 1pm Sunday September 26, Calhoun Square Jimmy Johns, 3001 Hennepin Ave. S.

MINNEAPOLIS– When Shift Supervisor Margaret Brickely began her morning prep work at Jimmy John's last Monday, she noticed that all of the meat and produce she pulled out of the cooler was warm and beginning to rot. The coolers had broken, leaving the meat at room temperature overnight. Margaret refused to serve the meat. Now, Jimmy John's is threatening her job in retaliation.

“The vegetables were shriveled, the meat hot, and the bread dough semi-cooked. This is not something I was willing to serve” says Margaret. “I called my District Manager Jason Effertz to inform him that the meat was rotten, and he ordered me to slice it and serve it. When I refused, Effertz came in and sliced the meat himself, preparing to sell it to customers.”

With the support of the newly-organized Jimmy Johns Workers Union, Margaret and her coworkers called the City of Minneapolis Health Department. A City Health Inspector came to the store, condemned the meat as unfit for human consumption, and forced management to throw it all away.

Had Margaret not taken a stand for proper sanitation, hundreds of customers would have been served rotten meat.

Jimmy Johns workers and customers from across the city are organizing a public delegation to the store on Sunday at 1pm to thank Margaret for her courage and demand an end to Jimmy John's rotten business practices of retaliating against employees who put sanitation and safety first.

“Margaret is a working class hero. She did the right thing by refusing to sell spoiled meat and we’re backing her up. No one should have to worry about getting fired for preventing customers from being served rotten food. We formed a union to protect ourselves in exactly these kinds of situations,” says Jaim’ee Bolte an employee at the Ninth Street Jimmy John's Location.

Jimmy John’s Workers at the Minneapolis franchise recently filed for a National Labor Relations board union election, the first at the growing sandwich chain and a rare move in an industry with a union density of 1.8%. The demands of the union include paid sick days, minimum shift lengths and fair scheduling, job security, tip jars, fair raises and wages, an end to sexual harassment and a voice on the job.

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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http://JimmyJohnsWorkers.org
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This all reminds of one incident when I was young and had a part time job delivering pizza. One evening I was waiting in the restaurant for the next order to go out, and I espied a plate of spagetti sitting up on the shelf. The thing was that the pile looked grey, and you naturally assume that it's a plate put aside and forgotten. Curiousity is this cat's second name so naturally I poked at it. "Oh, it's warm", I say as I pull back. From a little bit behind me I hear the word "good", and the waitress comes and takes the plate out to a customer. Myself I just sit there being stunned at this. Needless to say the plate came back uneaten and with a complaint. Believe me it happens more often than you might think, and having a union means that it happens far less.

AMERICAN LABOUR MINNEAPOLIS:

DAVID ROVICS BENEFIT CONCERT:

Coming up this weekend down in (Winnipeg South ???) Minneapolis a benefit concert for the Jimmy Johns Workers by anarchist songster David Rovics. Here's the notice from the website of the IWW.

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David Rovics Benefit Concert for the IWW Jimmy John's Workers Union
Start: Sep 24 2010 - 7:00pm
End: Sep 24 2010 - 11:00pm
Timezone: US/Central
Location
Walker Community Church
3104 16th Ave South
Minneapolis, MN
United States
Originally posted here - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=143516879008661

To benefit the Twin Cities Industrial Workers of the World in support of the Jimmy John’s Workers Union
(All proceeds will benefit the IWW JJWU - http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/jimmyjohnsunion?v=info&ref=ts )

**David Rovics Benefit Concert**

...Rovics has been traveling the world for decades now, singing his songs of resistance, peace, and democracy for unions, peace activists, and
social justice everywhere he travels. In the middle of his current Prairie Fire Tour, he is performing a benefit concert for the local
branch of the Industrial Workers of the World, the most democratic union in North America since 1905. While David travels the world
singing about corporate greed and political injustice, the IWW is actively organizing workplaces - like Starbucks at the Mall of
America! - near you. We are a perfect match, but there's one thing missing: you.

Openers: Abdi Phenomenal Farah & the Twin Cities Labor Chorus
Walker Community Church
$9 - No one turned away for lack of funds.

All Jimmy John's Workers receive Free Admission.

If you can't make the IWW Benefit Concert on Sept 24, you can catch David R.at the Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar, Corner of 4th and Broadway, Lowertown,St. Paul the following evening (Saturday, September 25) at 8 pm.

Or Check ot the Children's show Sat. the 25th at 2pm: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=119021171484821&ref=ts

http://www.davidrovics.com/
http://www.facebook.com/twincities.iww
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/jimmyjohnsunion?v=info&ref=ts

Labor Chorus: http://twincitieslaborchorus.blogspot.com/
Abdi Phenomenal Farah: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=504113529

Related Links
•Jimmy Johns Workers Union
•Twin Cities IWW
Links from Article Text
• http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=143516879008661
• http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=504113529

AMERICAN LABOUR MINNEAPOLIS:
JIMMY JOHNS WORKERS FILM SHOWING:



As part of their continuing organizing efforts the IWW Jimmy Johns Workers Union are showing the film 'Eyes on the Fries' about working conditions in the fast food industry. Here's the promo.>>>
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Jimmy John's Workers Union Film Showing of "Eyes on the Fries"
Twin Cities IWW

Time Thursday, September 30 · 6:00pm - 8:00pm

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Location West Bank, U of M, exact location TBA

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More Info
Join us for a free showing of the 20-minute film "Eyes on the Fries", which offers a look into the current system of labor in the low-wage service sector. After the film, there will be a discussion/q&a session with a panel of Jimmy John's workers who have been active in the union organizing effort.

From the website progressivefilms.org:

"Low wages, erratic schedules, no health care, work-school conflicts. This film looks beyond the stereotypes of carefree and undeserving youth to uncover a reality that millions of young working people know all too well: no matter how hard you work and how well you do in school, it can be difficult to stay afloat when you're coming of age in a "McJob" economy. But there are ways to improve things - and young people are taking the lead.

"Examines the rise of the low wage service sector and what it means for a generation of young Americans whose lives depend on it. Also features the successful struggle to raise the minimum wage in San Francisco, and the daily struggles of young workers from Oakland to New York."

Producer: Jeremy Blasi (Center for Labor Research and Education)
Director/Editor: Casey Peek


And from jimmyjohnsworkers.org:

"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 looms 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."

ANARCHIST MUSIC:
PIRATE SONGS FOR KIDS:


Ah Minneapolis seems to be a happening type of town. Here's another item from that close neighbour of Winnipeg. Next Saturday anarchist musician David Rovics performs 'Pirate Songs for Kids'. Here's the promo.
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Pirate Songs for Kids!
David Rovics in Minneapolis

Time Saturday, September 25 · 2:00pm - 4:00pm

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Location 42nd Ave Station, http://www.42ndavenuestation.com
42nd & Lyndale Ave N
Minneapolis, MN

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More Info
David's kid music is light-hearted and fun. Download the songs and music videos for free ahead of time! www.davidrovics.com/kids

AMERICAN LABOUR MINNEAPOLIS:

JIMMY JOHNS WORKERS DIRECT ACTION:

The IWW drive to unionize the Jimmy Johns restaurants in Minneapolis continues, and direct action (ie doing it yourself without negotiation with the boss) is part of this. Here's a story from the Jimmy Johns Workers website about their latest actions.

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Jimmy Johns Workers Hijack Promotional Event to Press for Tip Jars

Sandwich Workers Union Keeps the Pressure on as Unprecedented Union Election Approaches

MINNEAPOLIS– Jimmy John’s workers were doing more than preparing french bread, cold cuts, and sliced tomatoes for “Dollar Sub Day” this morning as union members and supporters hit the bricks outside stores, asking customers to put up tip jars and use them.

The act of civil disobedience is meant to draw attention to a company policy that forbids tip jars, despite the fact that it costs nothing.

Union members say the action supports their goal of shifting power back to the workers. “We think having customers act in solidarity by putting up tip jars will give workers a glimpse of a better workplace, and a few more dollars in their pockets on one of the most hectic days” says Max Specktor, a bike delivery driver at multiple Jimmy John’s stores.

Workers will receive the same wages on Dollar Sandwich Day, though business (and effort needed to pump out sandwiches) will be fourfold. Tips can help compensate for this extra hard work to promote the company, since the amount of tips is related to the number of customers on a given day.

Despite making hundreds of sandwiches each day, workers are not entitled to a free sandwich unless they work a 7 hour shift, a rarity for a company with standard shifts of 2-4 hours. Today, Jimmy Johns workers will be asked to pay $2.50 for a $1 sandwich, and will not have tips to cover the difference.

“Respect is a core issue at Jimmy John’s, and what we are fighting to regain,” says David Boehnke, an in-shop worker at the Skyway Jimmy John's store in downtown Minneapolis. “While tip jars and free sandwiches may not seem like a big deal, to come in, make $15-25 working all of lunch, make no tips, clean up, and go home hungry—this is not something that connotes respect.”

The Jimmy John’s Workers Union, made up of workers at all 9 Minneapolis franchise locations, filed for an unprecedented union election Monday. They say the will continue to build pressure until the owners Mike and Rob Mulligan cede to their demands, and until fast food and service workers everywhere get the respect and dignity they deserve.

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http://jimmyjohnsworkers.org

AMERICAN LABOUR MINNEAPOLIS:

'JIMMY JOHNS' WORKERS SIGN UP WITH IWW:

It may be a good omen for the upcoming IWW convention. In Minneapolis IWW organizers have managed to sign up the workers at a 'Jimmy Johns' fast food outlet. Here's the basic story from the Jimmie Johnes Workers Union (IWW). This story is also on Winnipeg's local IWW blog the 'Winnipeg Wobbly'. Hopefully there will be further updates there.

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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 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, about 17% of food workers earned at or below $5.15 an hour after taxes, 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 looms 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.

ANARCHIST BOOKFAIRS:
TWIN CITIES ANARCHIST BOOKFAIR:



They're popping up here, there and everywhere; far too many to keep track of. Anarchist Bookfairs have become a favoured method of gathering and exchange between the ever expanding anarchist communities. Here's a new one ( at least I think it's their first ), the 'Twin Cities Anarchist Bookfair' being held on September 11 and 12 in Minneapolis, MN.



Minneapolis is not that far from Winnipeg, 621 km to be exact. The internet says that is 7 hours, 4 minutes driving time. Leadfoot Molly would bet she could make it in 6 easy. The twin cities are actually the closest real city to the dreaded 'Peg'. The even more dreaded Regina is 572 km away, but it takes a certain masochistic impulse to go to Regina for any reason. So, if you're interested Peg People this might actually be a somewhat legitimate excuse to visit Minneapolis and St. Paul. Here's the schedule for the event. Check the website for other details.
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Schedule/Locations
The bookfair will take place at the Powderhorn Park building located at 34th st and 15th ave s., Minneapolis.


Saturday 9/11: Noon-6pm
First Workshop Block: 1-2pm

-EXCO and Anarchist Education

http://www.excotc.org/

Featured Speaker: 2-4pm- Diana Block

Diana Block has been a social justice/feminist activist for forty years. She was a founder of San Francisco Women Against Rape and of the anti-imperialist group Prairie Fire Organizing Committee in the seventies. She spent thirteen years underground in connection with her solidarity activities with the Puerto Rican independence and Black liberation movements, including two years living in Minneapolis. After returning to public life in 1995, she was a founding member of the California Coalition for Women Prisoners, the Jericho Movement and the San Francisco 8 Defense Committee and continues to be active in prison abolitionist work focused on women and transgender prisoners. In 2009 she published her memoir, *Arm the Spirit – A Woman’s Journey Underground and Back.* She lives in San Francisco with her partner, Claude Marks, and has two children.

She will read excerpts from her book and reflect on her experiences.

Featured Speaker: 4-6pm- Cindy Milstein

Cindy Milstein is a board member of the Institute for Anarchist Studies, and a former teacher at the Institute for Social Ecology. She does grassroots political work at home and public speaking anywhere else, and has long been involved in anarchist projects and social movements. She recently released a book on AK Press, “Anarchism and its Aspirations.”

Other Events:
1pm- Anti-War Committee “End the War on Terror” Protest (Hennepin Ave and Lagoon Ave)

7pm- Diana Block at the Friends Meeting House in St. Paul

Sunday 9/12: 2:30- 8pm
First Workshop Block: 3-4pm

-Anarchism and Fiction

-Money: Where do we go from here? Presented by Tony Hunnicut

A full schedule of workshops and speakers will be posted soon.

Other Events:
2pm- Really Really Free Market- Powderhorn Park (by stage)

AMERICAN LABOUR MINNEAPOLIS
TWIN CITIES IWW LABOR DAY RALLY:



Just a bit across the border from Winnipeg. The Twin Cities IWW will be holding a Labor Day rally this September 6. Here's the details.
IWWIWWIWWIWW


LABOR DAY RALLY:
Restaurant workers. Retail workers. All workers. SPEAK OUT
Time
September 6 · 3:00pm - 5:00pm

----------------------------
Location
University of Minnesota Knoll Area
University and 15th Avenue SE
Minneapolis, MN

---------------------------
Created By Twin Cities Iww
--------------------------
More Info
LABOR DAY:
RESTAURANT WORKERS. SERVICE WORKERS. ALL WORKERS. SPEAK OUT!
Featuring Guante and I Self Devine

3pm Monday September 6th
University and Pleasant Ave in Minneapolis
...

Since the Recession began in 2008, corporate elites have squeezed all workers with layoffs, pay cuts, reduced staffing, reduced work hours, and demands for more productivity while Corporate America rakes in billions in profit.

As the economy crumbles, good jobs are harder and harder to find. Today, 40% of workers in the US work in the food, retail, and service sector. Workers in these industries typically face poverty wages, inconsistent scheduling, no access to affordable healthcare or time off when we are sick, racial, gender, and other forms of discrimination, no breaks, disrespect from our bosses, and harassment from customers. Everyday bosses seek to take more from us. Every day we struggle to support ourselves and our families.

But we refuse to be powerless. We as workers can organize to confront economic, racial, and gender injustice. The time has come to demand basic economic rights; fair wages, fair treatment in the workplace, sick days, fair scheduling, a voice on the job. Only through a grass-roots, democratic movement can we accomplish these goals and build towards a society where common sense and justice align. We call upon service workers, retail workers, ALL workers; SPEAK OUT on Labor Day!

3:00pm Meet up
3:30pm Speak Out/ Music
4:30pm Mobilize!

ANARCHIST MUSIC:

DAVID ROVICS IWW BENEFIT CONCERT:

Tbis is almost close enough to count as 'local news' even if it is in a different country. The Twin Cities IWW (Minneapolis/St Paul) will be sponsoring a benefit for the Industrial Workers of The World (IWW) this coming September 24. Even though Minneapolis is nothing but a "short" drive south of Winnipeg I have to admit that my experience of it is limited to a stopover at its airport when flying from one civilized country to another. Still Minneapolis is "accessible" in the same sense for Winnipegers as Brandon is. Here's the promo.

@M@M@M@M
David Rovics Benefit Concert
----------------------
Location Walker Community Church
3104 16th Ave South
Minneapolis, MN

----------------------
A benefit concert for the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW): "The
Wobblies," in the Twin Cities.

Rovics has been traveling the world for decades now, singing his songs
of resistance, peace, and democracy for unions, peace activists, and
...social justice everywhere he travels. In the middle of his current
Prairie Fire Tour, he is performing a benefit concert for the local
branch of the Industrial Workers of the World, the most democratic
union in North America since 1905. While David travels the world
singing about corporate greed and political injustice, the IWW is
actively organizing workplaces - like Starbucks at the Mall of
America! - near you. We are a perfect match, but there's one thing
missing: you.

Openers: TBA
Info:
Walker Community Church
$9
No one turned away for lack of funds, doors, performance time.

http://www.davidrovics.com/
http://www.facebook.com/twincities.iww

AMERICAN LABOUR-MINNEAPOLIS:

MINNEAPOLIS STARBUCKS GOES UNION:

Good news from Minnesota way. The IWW Starbucks Union has succeeded in unionizing the Nicollet and Franklin Starbucks outlet. Here's the story from the IWW website.

.............................
Starbucks at Franklin and Nicollet becomes first City of Minneapolis location to go union!:
Contacts:
Aaron Kocher, SWU organizer, Franklin and Nicollet Starbucks: 612-220-6454
Brendan O'Donnell, IWW member at large: 612-306-7517
Erik Forman, SWU organizer, Mall of America Starbucks: 608-695-8705
Press Conferece: 11am November 13, corner of Franklin and Nicollet

Minneapolis, MN- Baristas from the Starbucks Coffee located at the intersection of Nicollet and Franklin Avenues in Minneapolis walked off the floor Wednesday morning to present a petition to management, signed by more than 500 concerned customers and community members, demanding Starbucks hire a security guard to ensure the safety of its patrons and partners. The workers in turn declared their affiliation with the Starbucks Workers Union, a campaign of the Industrial Workers of the World labor union, becoming the first Starbucks in Minneapolis, and the second in Minnesota, to go union.

A press conference will be held Thursday, November 13, at 11 am, in front of the Franklin and Nicollet Starbucks to celebrate the solidarity of the workers and demand that Starbucks hire a security guard.

Initially, the store partners circulated an internal petition, compiling signatures from most of the store's employees, requesting a meeting to discuss the security situation. After receiving no productive response from either the store or district manager, the employees turned to the
customers to prove their point.

"We hoped management would recognize the need to discuss these concerns with us, but when they refused to even hold a meeting, we knew more action was needed," said Aaron Kocher, a current store employee. "We can't work when we are constantly being harassed, threatened, and intimidated, or trying to protect our customers from the same mistreatment," he said.

Nancy Athanasselis, a regular customer known to everyone at the store, was gratified to see someone finally doing something about the problem. "The baristas are very busy running the store. It shouldn't be up to them to take care of security problems, but that is what ends up
happening. If Starbucks is not going to look at the human aspect, they should at least look at how much time they spend dealing with security," she said.

Since the beginning of 2008, there have been more than 500 police reports filed for the immediate area surrounding Starbucks. On August 3, the McDonald's restaurant located two blocks south of Starbucks was held up at gun point. On November 3, the Money Xchange less than one block from Starbucks was robbed at knife-point at 8:30 in the morning.

Christa worked for Starbucks for three years, but she was forced to choose between self-preservation and her position: "I loved the people I worked with, but there were problems. I can't tell you how many times we had to clean up feces, urine, blood, or vomit from customers who came in drunk. One time a guy didn't want to pay an extra four cents for his coffee. He started screaming at me. He came back later with a friend and started photographing me, saying, 'That's the one. I'm going to kill her.' I'm not going to risk my life for $8.50 an hour."
The customers and baristas at the Franklin and Nicollet Starbucks create a dynamic, diverse community in a changing neighborhood. The security conditions at Franklin and Nicollet have made performing the essential job duties nearly impossible. It is unacceptable for Starbucks to ignore the demands of its customers and workers. It is unconscionable for Starbucks to continue endangering their lives.

In solidarity with the workers of all Starbucks locations, the Starbucks Workers Union and Industrial Workers of the World will continue to support Starbucks employees everywhere in their efforts to create a positive, respectful work environment. The IWW will soon announce a day of action for "Black Friday," November 28, 2008, the busiest shopping day of the year, to call attention to one of the workers' core demands, a cost of living pay increase for all Starbucks baristas. Background on the Starbucks Workers Union.

The IWW Starbucks Workers Union is a grassroots organization of over 200 current and former employees of the world's largest coffee chain united for secure hours and a living wage. The Union has members throughout the United States fighting for systemic change in the company and remedying individual grievances with management. The SWU has been
especially active in New York City, Chicago, Grand Rapids, and Minneapolis.
Related Links
Starbucks Baristas Go Union!
Twin Cities GMB

AMERICAN LABOUR:

WOBBLIES FILE UNFAIR LABOUR PRACTICES CHARGES AGAINST MALL OF AMERICA AND CITY OF BLOOMINGTON:

For several years now the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), an international syndicalist organization, have been doing what no other union has taken on- organizing workers at the Starbucks coffee shop chain. It's difficult organizing, but the IWW has already had many successes. For the history and current events in the struggle see the Starbucks Union site. One of the recent places where the IWW is organizing is in the Twin Cities area of the USA. Last month management at the Mall of America got both the City of Bloomington police and the Metro Transit authorities to do their dirty work for them. This is the story, and the IWW response.

...................................

Riot Cops Illegally Detain Wobblies at Mall of America:
by Starbucks Workers Union

tcsbuxunion at gmail dot com

http://www.starbucksunion.org
Video: 50 Starbucks Workers Union Supporters Sealed into Train by Police

Video Release:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnK3I_zDuk0

Minneapolis, MN- The Starbucks Workers Union of the Industrial Workers of the World announced today that it is filing Unfair Labor Practice charges against the Mall of America, Metro Transit, and the City of Bloomington after fifty of its supporters were sealed onto a train by police at the Mall of the America station and denied the right to escort a union barista to his first day back on the job after an anti-union termination. The union delegation was headed to the Mall of the America Starbucks location on August 31st after a rally to celebrate the reinstatement of barista Erik Forman which had been won through a combination of direct action, a legal filing, and media advocacy.

"It was a surreal and deeply distressing experience to encounter heavily armed riot cops blocking the doors of the train car and trampling on our right to assembly. They even refused to let a diabetic child leave the train to get medical attention," said Jake Bell, a barista and member of the Starbucks Workers Union. "They told us the 'Mall doesn't want you here,' locked the doors, and rerouted the train back to Minneapolis."

In the Mall, it became clear that a massive police buildup had been coordinated with the FBI and Starbucks management to pre-empt a supposed 'protest' in front of the Mall of America Starbucks. The Industrial Workers of the World had been explicit with police that no protest was planned. The Union has released video evidence documenting the unlawful interference with constitutional rights and international law, available here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnK3I_zDuk0

Forman had been illegally fired on July 10 for union activity, sparking an outpouring of anger and disgust from baristas, customers and the general public. The delegation escorting him back to his first day back on the job received confirmation from transit police at both the Lake Street and Bloomington rail stations that they should be allowed to enter the Mall provided that they did not carry signs or disrupt business.

This is not the first time the IWW Starbucks Workers Union has experienced rights violations during a political convention. At the Republican National Convention in 2004, two IWW baristas were unlawfully arrested during a rally in front of the Starbucks location in New York City where they worked. The charges were successfully resolved and a lawsuit stemming from the event is currently pending against various governmental defendants.

###

Background on the IWW Starbucks Workers Union

Baristas at the Mall of America location announced their affiliation with the IWW on July 21 in a walkout protesting Starbucks store closures. The Union baristas demand a fair severance package for affected workers, as well as severance pay based on seniority and the right to transfer. The Union's core demands also include a living wage, cost of living increases, and guaranteed hours.

While portraying itself as a 'socially-responsible' employer, Starbucks pays baristas a poverty wage of $7.60/hr. In addition, all retail hourly workers at Starbucks in the United States 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 two complaints against it and is awaiting a decision by a judge in New York on more than 30 additional rights' violations. Starbucks' large anti-union operation is 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 200 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 fighting for systemic change at the company and remedying individual grievances with management. The SWU has been especially active in New York City, Chicago, Grand Rapids, and Minneapolis.

http://www.StarbucksUnion.org