Interview Exclusive: Cole Dorsey, IWW Union Organizer Fired by Starbucks

I met Cole Dorsey well over a year ago at the statewide meeting of the Michigan Peace Network. At the time, Cole talked about barista labor issues and reported on the struggles of union organizing at Starbucks. I was impressed by Cole's bravery in pushing union issues at a global corporation (Starbucks) in a very conservative city (Grand Rapids, Michigan). You can't accuse Cole of cherry-picking an easy fight.

In early June 2008, word came from Cole via e-mail that Starbucks had fired him. I quickly asked Cole for an interview and we were able to get together in mid-June to talk. Cole provided a behind-the-scenes account of the union organizing at Starbucks, his firing, and the need for action on July 5th and beyond.

Here is my extended interview with Cole Dorsey of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) union in Grand Rapids, Michigan (USA):





TOMORROW: I will post the photo slide show from Saturday's protest and, later this week, interviews with union supporters. Plus, a review of the just released DVD movie, Stop Loss.

-- Rico Thomas Rico