Hi Comrades!

West Sound DSA is helping both raise awareness and volunteering alongside Starbucks Workers United in there efforts to get Starbucks to stop illegal union busting, end unfair labor practices, and finally negotiate a contract.

Their asks for a contract are straightforward:

1. Stable hours, so baristas can count on reaching enough hours to earn basic benefits.
2. Higher take-home pay.

Why is this important?

As democratic socialists, we firmly believe in the right for every worker to have a more democratic voice within their own workplace. Workers that are unionized not only enjoy a better and more stable working experience in general, but can make the company itself more accountable to the public, and less subject to the whims of shareholders and capital interests. Too long have labor rights across the country been rolled back, and unionization is one method for workers to begin to regain autonomy in the capitalist system.

Baristas, and service industry laborers broadly (grocery store workers, chefs and line cooks, waiting staff, etc.), have historically been left out of the equation of workers deemed worthy of collective bargaining. These are typically known as "low-skill" jobs that teenagers and young adults are likely to find themselves pursuing as their first entries into the workforce, but in reality showcase a variety of skills that are essential enough to warrant being one of the largest industries across the US. Often when these jobs and their unionization efforts are being diminished, it's based on information propagated by those with financial interests tied to the exploitation of these individuals. It is indeed more telling that corporations, like Starbucks, would prefer to continue exploiting its workforce knowing that a significant portion are teens and young adults rather than treat all of its baristas and staff with dignity.

Being in the service industry is hard enough, and what's gained through worker solidarity in getting these folks unionized will only benefit the rest of the working class by signaling that no laborer will be left behind.

Unions are also powerful methods for workers to hold their employers accountable! In the past, Starbucks Workers United was the target of a lawsuit by Starbucks simply over social media posts supporting a ceasefire in Gaza. We often wonder how we can begin to hold these megacorporations accountable for implicit or explicit support of unethical practices and the financial support of immoral actors, like with the Israeli government's genocide and apartheid of Palestinians. Unionization is not the only solution, but is an essential piece in needed societal change as it relates to these global conglomerates.

What can you do?

First, boycott Starbucks until a contract is signed and illegal union busting stops. Spread the word, shop elsewhere.

Join West Sound DSA in organizing solidarity pickets out front of non-unionized corporate stores, and keep up with the union's calls to action nationally.

We hope you join us!

Support West Sound DSA's labor organizing working group, Communities Organized in Grassroots Solidarity (COGS), and help us get connected to further labor organizing in Kitsap County!

In Solidarity!