The Secret Agent Organizer of the Starbucks Union with Jaz Brisack

Key takeaways

The Starbucks unionization campaign has seen substantial success with over 550 stores organized, showcasing the power of grassroots organizing.
Solidarity and community support are crucial in labor movements, as demonstrated by the successful response to union-busting from Starbucks.
Labor rights are deeply intertwined with broader social justice issues; fighting for equitable treatment across all sectors benefits the overall movement.
The modern labor movement faces challenges from corporate pushback and internal divisions, necessitating a new strategic approach.
Active participation in labor movements and education on organizing can empower workers and foster meaningful change within their workplaces.

Summary

The Rise of Union Organizing at Starbucks

The podcast discusses the notable unionization efforts at Starbucks, led by Jaz Brisack and other workers. Over 550 Starbucks stores and 11,000 baristas have organized their workplaces, facing significant resistance from corporate management. Jaz explains the grassroots strategies employed, especially focusing on the use of 'salts' — undercover union organizers who integrate into workplaces to foster solidarity, educate workers, and initiate organizing efforts.

The Role of Community and Solidarity

Jaz emphasizes the importance of community support and solidarity in successful organizing campaigns. The Starbucks campaign was significantly bolstered by broader community efforts, including an organic boycott against the company following its union-busting activities and its stance on social issues. Jaz underscores how solidarity is not only about workers supporting each other but also about communities rallying behind labor movements to create impactful change.

The Connection Between Labor Rights and Social Justice

A central theme discussed is the interconnected nature of labor rights and various social justice movements, including LGBTQ rights and racial equality. Jaz argues that isolating these issues diminishes the overall struggle for liberation. The conversation highlights how union organizing can serve as a vehicle for amplifying other social justice causes, demonstrating that systemic change requires an intersectional approach.

Challenges in the Labor Movement

The discussion touches on the challenges faced by unions today, including corporate pushbacks, low union density, and internal divisions. Jaz discusses how the labor movement must adapt and strategize critically to remain effective. This includes the necessity of engaging with members in ideologically diverse groups while fostering understanding and compassion within union ranks.

Future of the Labor Movement and Jaz's New Initiatives

The episode concludes with Jaz discussing future initiatives, including the Inside Organizer School, which trains individuals to organize their workplaces. Jaz encourages listeners to get involved in labor movements and emphasizes the importance of building an informed and active workforce as union organizing continues to gain momentum in various industries.

Show notes

Companies are infamous for their union busting tactics, but that doesn’t mean union organizers don’t have their own strategies. This week, Adam speaks with Jaz Brisack, an undercover organizer, or union “salt”, who took a job as a barista in a Starbucks in Buffalo, NY with the explicit intention of organizing Starbucks employees. Thanks to the effort of Jaz and other organizers, around 550 Starbucks stores and 11,000 baristas now have a union. Adam and Jaz talk about how to drum up support for a union in a workplace, the tactics companies use to try to prevent unionization, and how cats are a surprisingly effective source of early workplace bonding. Find Jaz's book at factuallypod.com/books

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