The Starbucks Problem

The Starbucks Problem:
Renewing the Labor Movement in the Economic Crisis

THURSDAY
April 30th
7:00pm
Carnegie 006
Macalester College
1600 Grand Ave.
St. Paul 55105

In 2004, baristas at a single Starbucks in midtown Manhattan announced their affiliation with the legendary Industrial Workers of the World labor union, demanding a living wage, guaranteed hours, and dignity. In the subsequent five years, the union spread to cities across North America, including Minneapolis. The struggle at Starbucks has served as a testing ground for a new model of workplace organizing based on grassroots global solidarity and uncompromising opposition to corporate power. This presentation by rank-and-file members of the local Starbucks Workers Union will give audience members a rare glimpse at the cutting edge of labor organizing amidst the deepest economic crisis since the Great Depression.