Bernie Sanders & Zohran Mamdani Join Striking Starbucks Workers in Brooklyn

Support for Striking Starbucks Workers

• 🤝 Zohran Mamdani, New York Mayor-elect, and Senator Bernie Sanders joined striking Starbucks workers on a picket line in Brooklyn.
• ✊ The rally highlighted demands for better working conditions and fair contracts, emphasizing that these are demands for decency and respect, not greed.
• 💰 Mamdani contrasted Starbucks' $36.2 billion in revenue last year with CEO Brian Nickel's compensation of $95.8 million for four months of work, a disparity of 6,666 times the average barista's salary.

Starbucks' Labor Violations and Union Busting

• ⚖️ The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has found 400 labor law violations committed by Starbucks.
• 🚫 Starbucks has not recognized any unionized shop in the four years of organizing efforts, contributing to an environment of union busting and fear.
• 🗓️ Workers are striking against unfair labor practices, including ungaranteed scheduling, mistreatment of coworkers, and unfair hourly wages.

Broader Economic and Political Context

• 🌍 Senator Sanders highlighted the broader economic disparity where the wealthy have never had it so good, while 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck.
• 🗳️ Mamdani's successful campaign is presented as a blueprint for the Democratic Party, focusing on affordability and workers' rights.
• 🗣️ Both leaders vowed to continue supporting workers and using their platforms to hold corporations accountable, with Mamdani stating he will continue joining picket lines even after becoming mayor.

Worker and Organizer Perspectives

• ✊ Starbucks workers are demanding an end to unfair labor practices and a return to the bargaining table for a fair contract.
• 🏙️ Organizers from New York City DSA emphasized the significance of having elected officials present, especially after a recent $38 million settlement for Starbucks workers in New York City.
• 🌱 The movement that got Mamdani elected is expected to continue organizing and advocating for workers' rights, generating hope for a fairer future.