What Do Starbucks and Wal-Mart Have in Common?

Posted by Robert Greenwald, Brave New Films at 8:31 AM on May 19, 2009.

Both corporate giants have long track records of harassing their workers when it comes to joining unions. Harassment and intimidation are illegal under Federal law, and we won't stand for it. Tell Howard Schultz, Starbucks' billionaire owner, to respect the people who work for Starbucks. "The regional manager literally told us that we weren't allowed to invite people to union meetings...that's the same kind of violation that you see at Wal-Mart," said Erik Forman, a former Starbucks employee fired for union organizing. Starbucks, like retail giant Wal-Mart, has a well-established history of breaking labor laws. The company has spent millions settling five labor complaints in the past few years alone, and it has fought hard against the Employee Free Choice Act in an attempt to continue intimidating workers hoping to unionize. In 2005, we took on Wal-Mart for their assault on workers with Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price. Now we are exposing Starbucks' atrocious labor practices in our newest campaign, Stop Starbucks. Watch the video to see Starbucks' blatant disregard for workers' rights.

SPILL THE BEANS ABOUT STARBUCKS:

1. Sign the memo insisting Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz allow workers to unionize. Help us reach 50,000 signatures before Congress votes on the Employee Free Choice Act. We will deliver the petition to Schultz, sending the clear message that corporations should support this vital legislation.
2. Send the video to your friends and family and post it on your Facebook page. Starbucks and Schultz's mistreatment of workers must be known.
3. Spread the word on Digg and make this campaign become more prominent than a Starbucks on every corner.
4. Tell us your Starbucks story. If you've ever worked at a Starbucks or even purchased a cup of coffee from them, we want to hear about it.

There are over 127,000 baristas in our country alone, many of whom are in dire need of better wages, health benefits, and hours. Shouldn't they have the right to be treated fairly? Sign the memo and tell Schultz to stop his mistreatment of workers.

Robert Greenwald is a producer, director and political activist. His new media company, Brave New Films, is currently focused on making short videos like the FOX Attacks (FoxAttacks.com) and The REAL McCain (TheRealMcCain.com), which educate and empower viewers to take action and have been seen by millions.