Virtual
The Labor Café convenes the Notre Dame community for casual conversation on contemporary questions about work, workers, and workplaces. What rights and protections should those who work for others have? What's the proper role for government in the economy? How should we address enduring problems of inequality, poverty, and lack of opportunity? And what does Catholic Social Teaching have to say about these labor questions? Participants choose the concrete topics, all people are welcome, and all opinions are entertained.
January Topic: Baristas of the World, Unite! The Prospects for Unionization at Starbucks (and Elsewhere)
Resources to Get the Conversations Started
[note that some sources may require a subscription, or access via the Hesburgh Library website for Notre Dame community members]:
“What the first Starbucks union means for workers everywhere,” Vox, Dec. 9, 2021 (and attached podcast)
“Will the Starbucks union victories ignite organizing across the country?” The Hill, Jan. 17, 2022
“Letter to Starbucks partners: Our path forward after Buffalo union vote,” Starbucks, Dec. 20, 2021
Twitter feed, Starbucks Workers United, updated regularly
“Taking On Starbucks, Inspired by Bernie Sanders,” New York Times, Jan. 17, 2022
“Starbucks Union Vote in Buffalo Energizes Labor Leaders,” Wall Street Journal, Dec. 10, 2021
