Join Blue Bottle Independent Union (BBIU), Starbucks Workers United Massachusetts (SBWU MA), and Working Films for a screening of Partners, a film that shares the story of how a group of baristas in Buffalo, New York announce their intention to form a labor union, and how Starbucks responds with an elaborate and illegal anti-union campaign. Featuring on-the-ground footage from workers and organizers, Partners takes us to the front lines of the historic union campaign that catalyzed America’s Gen Z labor revival.

In 2020, a group of “Inside Organizers” in Buffalo, New York get jobs at Starbucks with the intention of starting a union. Baristas across Buffalo quickly join the cause. Starbucks catches on and immediately storms the market with over 100 specially-trained corporate executives and managers from across the country. An elaborate anti-union campaign ensues, which the federal government later finds to be the most illegal attack on organizing workers rights in modern United States history. Drawing from on-the-ground footage captured by workers and organizers, Partners takes us to the front lines of the labor campaign that inspired over 11,000 Starbucks workers across the country to organize.

A discussion & Q&A will follow the films featuring:

Join us for this free screening and discussion to explore a historic union fight and what it teaches us about organizing for workers’ rights today, from coffee shops to classrooms to warehouses.

As BBIU and SBWU gear up their struggles for a first contract this fall, we are asking for a suggested donation in lieu of charging for tickets. Proceeds will be evenly split between BBIU and SBWU MA toward their strike funds.

Alternatively, SBWU MA is asking attendees to bring non-perishable food to go toward their strike food pantry.