Factually! with Adam Conover The Secret Agent Organizer of the Starbucks Union with Jaz Brisack
Jul 23, 2025
Jaz Brisack, an activist and author who played a pivotal role in organizing Starbucks workers in Buffalo, shares her insights on labor organizing. She discusses the innovative strategy of 'salting', where organizers infiltrate workplaces to advocate for unionization. Jaz highlights the importance of building solidarity among workers and the unique challenges they face against corporate tactics. Surprisingly, she even points out how cats can help foster community among coworkers. Together, they explore activism's role in promoting social justice.
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Salt: Undercover Union Organizer
- Jaz Brisack took a job at Starbucks as a "salt," an undercover union organizer.
- They built relationships over months before mentioning unions to protect workers and foment support quietly.
Buffalo's Union Coffee Culture
- Buffalo had a vibrant culture of unionized coffee shops before Starbucks organizing began.
- This existing history gave Starbucks workers momentum and a model to follow for unionization.
Build Trust Before Organizing
- Build trust with coworkers by focusing on relationships and shared concerns before discussing unionization.
- Listen first, show solidarity, then introduce organizing when support is strong.
