Deep South Baristas Strike Starbucks

https://labornotes.org/2022/05/deep-south-baristas-strike-starbucks

May 28, 2022 / Kerry Taylor

Starbucks baristas in Columbia, South Carolina, returned to their jobs on Saturday, May 21, following a three-day walkout to protest anti-union retaliation.

Managers began denying employees promotions and transfers several weeks ago after 22 of 28 “partners” at the Millwood Avenue store petitioned the National Labor Relations Board for union representation. The workers reached a breaking point on May 18 when a popular store manager was fired for refusing to engage in union busting.

Two hours after learning of their manager’s dismissal the entire shift walked out, forcing the store to close early.

“She was a large reason a lot of us were still with the company,” said barista Sophie Ryan of her former manager.



In South Carolina, the state with the lowest rate of union membership, Starbucks workers are helping breathe life into the labor movement. Photo: Kerry Taylor

FULL story at link above.