Starbucks has undertaken an aggressive anti-union campaign in Grand Rapids according to reports from the local Starbucks Workers Union. While the union has worked to improve pay, obtain stable scheduling, and to create a better work for Starbucks baristas, Starbucks has launched an attack on the union around the county in an effort to intimidate workers who might consider joining. In 2006, a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) settlement with Starbucks over unfair labor practices required the company to reinstate two fired union organizers and to eliminate various anti-union policies. Recently, the NLRB again found that Starbucks has violated the law in its anti-union campaign.

In West Michigan, the latest step in the anti-union campaign has been the use of video cameras at Starbucks Wealthy Street store in East Grand Rapids. According to the Starbucks Workers Union, the newly operational cameras are recording every inch of workspace at the Wealthy Street location. Although the store manager contends that the cameras have been installed since the store opened, they have never been utilized until now when there is a union drive in progress. On March 11, baristas watched Diebold workers connect the cameras and get them operational. This new addition has made for a contentious work environment according to a union barista. In response to this unprecedented move, the union is calling on supporters to contact Store Managers at area Starbucks to pressure them to end their intimidation and union busting tactics (Contact Information Below).

However, this is only the most recent anti-union intimidation measure implemented in Grand Rapids. The Starbucks Workers Union reports that all baristas in Grand Rapids have been forced to sign Starbucks' corporate statements on unions and have referenced the Grand Rapids union in particular. A Starbucks Workers Union member was also kicked out of Woodland Mall earlier this week for handing union literature to a Starbucks barista at the Woodland store.

At the Wealthy St. store, a union barista reports that on a bulletin board in the back of the store there are four Starbucks print-outs posted to intimidate baristas considering joining the union. Two of four print-outs bash the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), through whom the Starbucks campaign has been waged nationwide. In these print-outs, Starbucks claims that they do not and will not recognize the union, that there are only a couple of union members nationwide, and that the union is only seeking people's money. The other two print-outs provide detailed instructions for what to do if there is a protest at the store. As a scare tactic designed to make baristas fear the union, one details what to do if a store must be closed because of a protest and how to get a police escort.

Despite the intimidation, the Grand Rapids Starbucks Workers Union reports continued progress in their organizing campaign. The union needs support and interested individuals and organizations can help by calling Starbucks to protest the intimidation tactics, endorsing the campaign, and donating to cover ongoing fees associated with the organizing efforts.

Take Action - Contact Starbucks Store Managers

Call Store Managers (NOT Shift Supervisors as they are just baristas with more responsibility and many of them are interested in joining the union) and tell them to end their intimidation and union busting tactics:

Wealthy St. - 616-451-0871, store manager= Nate Bailey
Waterfalls Shop 28th St. - 616-975-0805
Woodland Mall - 616-464-0916
Grandville - 616-531-8122
Northland Dr. - 616-957-0412
East Beltline - 616-363-6530

Sample Statement to Managers:

"As a costumer I'm opposed to the tactics that are being used at your store to intimidate baristas from joining a union. I support their right to organize and they should be free to choose without your interference. If these union-busting tactics continue I will stop buying my coffee at your store and will tell all my friends to do the same."

Endorse the Campaign:

Community support and solidarity are necessary to take on Starbucks. Email your name and title (or organization you are involved with) to grandrapidsstarbucksunion@yahoo.com

Donate:

Donations can be sent to the email address above or to PO Box 6629, Grand Rapids, MI, 49516. Checks should be made out to Grand Rapids IWW earmarked for the Starbucks Workers Union.. As a fundraiser, buttons that feature the Starbucks Workers Union logo along with the text "I Support Baristas" are available from the union for $1. They can be purchased at the Institute for Global Education at 1118 Wealthy St SE or by contacting the union directly for delivery.