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E123: IWW Starbucks Workers Union, part 3

E123: IWW Starbucks Workers Union, part 3

Author: Working Class History July 8, 2026 Duration: 39:40
Working Class History
HistoryCultureEducationSocietySociety & Culture
Final part of our three-part podcast series about the organising campaign by the Industrial Workers of the World union at Starbucks in the 2000s, in conversation with Daniel Gross, one of the key organisers.
This part covers international solidarity, Starbucks union-busting strategies, the decline of the union, and lessons for today.
Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes without ads, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. Supporters also get access to two exclusive podcast series: Fireside Chats and Radical Reads. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistory
More
  • Listen to all 3 parts now without ads, plus an exclusive bonus episode on Patreon.
  • More information, sources, show notes and eventually a transcript on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e121-123-iww-starbucks-workers-union/
  • Get hold of books by Daniel Gross, including:
Acknowledgements
  • Thanks to our Patreon supporters for making this podcast possible. Special thanks to Jazz Hands.
  • Episode graphic: Starbucks Workers Union members, including Daniel, holding the sign, left, march down Union Square, NYC, 2007. Courtesy IWW.
  • Our theme tune is Bella Ciao, thanks for permission to use it from Dischi del Sole. You can 

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