Starbucks Union Demands Clarification on Store Closures, Initiates Global Action

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/07/06/18513897.php

by R. Robertson
Sunday Jul 6th, 2008 9:09 AM

In a statement issued shortly before a Global Day of Action Against Starbucks, Industrial Workers of the World affiliated Starbucks Workers Union called for the world's largest coffee chain to disclose the locations of 600 stores scheduled for closing.

The Day of Action was an international success with eleven US cities and 19 countries in Europe and Asia participating.

On July 1 Industrial Workers of the World affiliated Starbucks Workers Union called for the world's largest coffee chain to immediately disclose the locations it intends to close and outline its severance plan. Citing management's "numerous missteps", they added that the company should stop wasting millions of dollars on union busting staff and lawyers.

At a July 5th action in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where the National Labor Relations Board continues to investigate Starbucks for unfair labor practices, management monitored a peaceful gathering of activists demonstrating for benefits for employees. Starbucks routinely prohibits full-time status for retail hourly employees, which union members say makes employee participation in a health care plan even lower than Wal-Mart's record.

Starbucks stores in eleven US cities and 19 countries in Europe and Asia participated in the IWW Starbucks sponsored Global Day of Action on July 5th, according to the union website. Germany was the country with the largest turnout, with a record 35 store locations involved.

[hendo]

1. Interesting article

I remember when someone here claimed a few days ago that all employees at Starbucks get health insurance through their job. I guess that isn't the case.

[Andy823]

2. My cousin works for them at HQ

And he does get benefits, don't know about those who work in the stores.

What I think is crazy, is that they are closing down all those stores, and they just finished building one in the biggest town in my county, it is also the "ONLY" Starbucks in the county, and the population is under 5,000 people! The average wage earner makes about $25,000 a year, and the biggest employer is Walmart! I really could not believe they opened on there, and then came out saying they are closing down 600 stores not making any money! I have been by the new store only once since it opened, which I think was only about a month ago, and there were only 3 cars parked in the parking lot, and since there is a new Gamespot that went in next to it, I don't know which store had the business!

It makes no sense to me at all!

[hendo]

3. I would bet

that they are going to close down stores that are within one block of another store. I doubt they will close the store near you though. I have been in a few major cities where I pass 4 Starbucks in one mile. thats just insane.

edit: and I would doubt that your cousin will be affected.