Mark Mori Documents 700-Store Starbucks Union Drive in New Film

1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 31

Baristas vs Billionaires follows Buffalo Starbucks workers who launched a 2021 union drive and say Howard Schultz came to the city to try to stop it.
Mark Mori said his own background as a steelworker and union member drew him to the story, which he sees as part of a broader labor resurgence tied to Rust Belt decline and the wealth gap.
More than 700 Starbucks stores have won union elections since 2021, and Starbucks Workers United began a boycott on Aug. 25 over the lack of a first contract.
The union is seeking a $17-an-hour minimum wage, better staffing, scheduling and workplace protections, while labor judges and the NLRB have found Starbucks committed more than 500 labor-law violations.
Starbucks did not address the film or boycott directly, saying it offers competitive pay and benefits and remains committed to productive bargaining; the documentary is currently screening only at scheduled events as distribution talks continue.