New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is showing his support for striking Starbucks baristas by urging people not to patronize the chain. He stated that he would not be buying Starbucks while workers remain on strike, which has been organized amid stalled contract negotiations. This action comes after the company announced restructuring and the closure of hundreds of stores, leading to the union organizing its fourth strike since 2023. This move by Mamdani, a known ally of labor, is an early indication of how he may use his position as mayor.
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Across the US, Labor Day rallies saw a surge in demonstrations against various issues. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson vocally condemned potential federal troop deployments, echoing the sentiments of protestors nationwide. Numerous cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Washington DC, witnessed coordinated protests organized by labor unions and advocacy groups, focusing on workers’ rights and social safety nets. Concurrently, workers at the Hilton Americas-Houston initiated a nine-day strike, demanding better wages and highlighting the continued struggle for fair labor practices.
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On Thursday, four Bay Area locations of Blue Bottle coffee voted to unionize, joining the growing trend of barista organizing across the U.S. The workers, who voted 22 to 5 in favor of joining the Blue Bottle Independent Union, aim to secure better benefits and higher wages to address the high cost of living. This independent union, which previously unionized six locations in the Boston area, is focused on maintaining flexibility and control. The union drive, announced in June, highlights concerns regarding benefits, wages, and transparency in coffee sourcing.
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Whole Foods’ Philadelphia Center City store employees voted to unionize with the UFCW, marking the first union within the Amazon-owned chain. A majority of the 230 workers voted in favor, despite alleged anti-union tactics from the company. The union cited the need for better wages, benefits, and working conditions as motivating factors for the vote. Whole Foods expressed disappointment but committed to maintaining a positive work environment, while the UFCW plans to negotiate a fair contract. This win follows other successful unionization efforts at Amazon’s warehouses and delivery services.
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Hundreds of Charlotte Douglas International Airport service workers, employed by ABM and Prospect Airport Services, initiated a strike on Monday during the Thanksgiving travel rush to protest low wages. These workers, who clean planes, handle trash, and assist passengers, claim their current pay, ranging from $12.50 to $19 per hour, is insufficient to cover basic living expenses. The strike, authorized by a union vote, is expected to continue throughout the day and includes a rally and “Strikesgiving” lunch. Airport officials anticipate the busiest travel period on record, and the companies involved have stated they are taking steps to mitigate disruptions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker