What:  

A trial against Starbucks at the National Labor Relations Board over the wrongful termination of an IWW barista.  The proceedings are open to the public.

Who:  

Starbucks baristas, supporters from the IWW, the community, and Starbucks management officials.

The IWW Starbucks Workers Union will be represented by attorney Rodger Webb of Webb, Englehardt, and Fernandes.

Starbucks will be represented by David Khorey and Kelly Stoppels of Varnum, Riddering, Schmidt, and Howlett.

The NLRB attorney on the case is Brad Howell.

Why:

Starbucks' is preparing to fight its second trial against Unfair Labor Practices.  Last week, in an 88 page decision, an administrative law judge found, among other things, that Starbucks maintained multiple policies which interfered with workers' right to communicate about the union and about working conditions; terminated three workers in retaliation for union activity; and repeatedly discriminated against union supporters.

After an investigation triggered by charges from the IWW in Grand Rapids, the Labor Board hit Starbucks with a complaint alleging the illegal termination of an employee for union activity.The barista firing at issue in the case resulted in solidarity actions from around the world. Now Starbucks will have to answer for its illegal acts in open court, again!

Despite the fierce anti-union campaign by the world's largest fast-food coffee outlet, baristas around the country continue to join the IWW Starbucks Workers Union to pressure the company on issues of concern including insecure work hours, poverty wages, and unaffordable health care.

Background on the complaint for which Starbucks will stand trial: "Starbucks faces another NLRB complaint", by
Lauren Shepherd for the Associated Press, available online

When:

Starting Wednesday, January 7th at 10am

Thursday, January 8th 10am

(possibly) Friday, January 9th 10am

Where:

NLRB Region 7 at the Federal Building. David L. Basso Hearing Room,  82 Ionia 3rd Floor in Grand Rapids

, MI 49503.

Press Conference 930am January 7th in front of 82 Ionia