What better way honor what Labor Day stands for than with an act of solidarity?
As you may be aware, baristas at two Starbucks stores in Connecticut have voted to unionize! Now comes the struggle to negotiate and win a fair contract. Starbucks is not exactly cooperating.
The Starbucks in West Hartford (1449b New Britain Ave., across from Westfarms) was the first in Connecticut to unionize.
We are rounding up a group of UHP members to take part in a SOLIDARITY SIP-IN at that West Hartford Starbucks at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3. Additional details are below.
Will you join us?
If you can't make it Saturday morning, stop in later that day or some other time on Labor Day weekend. Or go to the other unionized Starbucks, in Vernon (135 Talcottville Road), where the baristas face similar obstacles to the fair contract they deserve. Either way, we are sending a powerful message to the workers that we are with them and to the bosses that their baristas have support from the larger labor movement.
When you do go, use the hashtag #NoContractNoCoffee and tag @CCSBWU as you share your pics and words of solidarity on social media.
The labor movement is gaining momentum in the private sector. This is one simple way we can do our part to help move that along and further elevate standards for all workers!
Thanks for reading. Please help spread the word, plan to bring friends and family, and we'll see you this weekend!
In solidarity,
FOLLOWING IS FROM CT AFL-CIO PRESIDENT ED HAWTHORNE:
In early June, the baristas at the Corbin's Corner Starbucks voted 13 to 3 to join together and form a union – the first in Connecticut.
Since then, corporate executive at Starbucks have run a vicious anti-union campaign. They have illegally fired workers, denied them raises, and withheld benefits and training according to the National Labor Relations Board.
This Labor Day weekend, let's stand with our new brothers and sisters at the Corbin's Corner Starbucks to let them know we have their backs.
Solidarity Sip-in With Unionized Starbucks Workers
Date: Saturday, Sept. 3
Time: Come anytime between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Location: Corbin's Corner Starbucks, 1449b New Britain Ave., West Hartford
Flyer: Printable flyer to share with fellow union members
Labor Day is a federal holiday to honor and recognize the critical victories won by the labor movement that benefit all working people. So take time this weekend to not only reflect on the significance of this holiday, but take a small action to help workers fighting for their union.
When you come to the solidarity sip-in on Saturday, wear your union gear, order your coffee using pro-union names (e.g., Union Yes, Solidarity, Mother Jones), and offer a friendly word of solidarity.
Invite your friends and don't forget to bring some cash to tip the workers!
In solidarity,
Ed Hawthorne, President
Connecticut AFL-CIO