UNION VICTORY! Starbucks Reinstates Fired IWW Barista to Mall of America Location

Supporters Rally for the Right to Organize outside the Republican National Convention

Press Conference and Public Rally: 1pm August 31, Lake and Hiawatha, Minneapolis

Bowing to the pressure of a campaign of work stoppages, petitions, and legal challenges organized by the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), Starbucks has reinstated IWW Barista Erik Forman to his position at the Mall of America Starbucks. 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. Over 50 Baristas from 15 stores across the city had signed a petition demanding Forman’s reinstatement.

Forman said, “Our message here is hope. We have shown retail workers that together, we can fight and win. Corporate America can’t do anything to stop us. I’m glad to be back at work, but the challenge now is to organize to make this a job worth having. This is just the beginning.”

The victory comes days before the kickoff of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, MN. Asked if there is a connection between the Republican electoral agenda and Starbucks illegal union-busting activities, one protest organizer said, “Like the Republican Party, Starbucks corporate brass would like the turn back the clock and strip us of our civil liberties, like the right to organize labor unions. The IWW Starbucks Workers Union is an inspiration many of us on the streets in St. Paul. Here is a group of workers that has not only fought for their rights- but fought and won!”

The Industrial Workers of the World plans to participate in the Anti-RNC convergence by organizing an "Anticapitalist Bloc." Upcoming events include:

Saturday August 30th - Benefit Concert for the Starbucks Workers Union and
Legal Defense Fund featuring the Rude Mechanical Orchestra, Brass Messengers, and more - 10:30 PM Bedlam Theatre 1501 S 6th St

Sunday August 31st - Rally to Protect the Right of Starbucks Workers to
Organize Democratic Unions + Direct Action Against Capitalism - 1 PM at the
Lake and Hiawatha light rail stop

Monday September 1st - Anti-capitalist Bloc in the March on the RNC and Stop
the War - 10 AM Minnesota State Capital in St Paul - Look for the red and
black flags

Tuesday September 2nd - Solidarity with Independent Truckers Fuel Action -
10 AM Stockman's Truckstop: I-494 Exit 64a

Tuesday September 2nd - Anti-capitalist Bloc in the Poor People's Economic
Human Rights Campaign "March for Our Lives" - 3 PM at the corner of 6th &
Sibley

Wednesday September 3rd - Panel Discussion: Anti-Capitalist Perspectives
Across Movements - 10 AM at Macalester College in the Fine Arts Lounge.

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Background on the IWW Starbucks Workers Union
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.
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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.