Matthew Cunningham-Cook discusses the financial risks public pension funds face from high-risk investments and the lack of transparency in this domain. Maximilian Alvarez and Len Harris share insights on the impactful unionization efforts at Starbucks, revealing the challenges and resilience of workers. Khalid al-Jabri critiques the Biden administration's controversial decision granting MBS immunity. Lastly, James Lee examines the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, urging listeners to consider its effects on society.
Starbucks has been engaged in a fierce and illegal union-busting campaign, including tactics such as understaffing, cutting hours, firing organizers, and closing stores.
Starbucks workers have been going on strike and demanding fair contracts with unionized stores.
The recent granting of immunity to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman raises questions about manipulation and potential lack of accountability for alleged crimes.
The granting of immunity to Mohammed bin Salman sets a dangerous precedent and undermines accountability for human rights violations.
Deep dives
Starbucks Worker Organizing and Unionization Efforts
Starbucks, the world's largest coffeehouse chain, has been facing a significant wave of worker organizing and unionization efforts across its stores in the United States. The movement began a year ago when workers at the Elmwood Avenue Starbucks store in Buffalo, New York became the first to successfully vote to unionize. Since then, workers at hundreds of Starbucks locations from Maine to Hawaii have filed for union elections, with the overwhelming majority of these stores voting in favor of unionizing.
Starbucks' Union-Busting Campaign
However, Starbucks has responded with a fierce and illegal union-busting campaign, including tactics such as understaffing, cutting workers' hours, firing organizers, and even closing stores where workers have unionized. This campaign has created a culture of fear and retaliation among workers. As a result, the number of new unionization efforts has dropped significantly in recent months. The drop in unionization efforts is a direct result of Starbucks' campaign of repression, which aims to discourage workers from organizing and exercising their rights. Workers have reported various forms of retaliation and unfair treatment for their organizing activity.
Starbucks Workers' Fight for Fair Contracts
Starbucks, a company that touts itself as progressive and worker-friendly, has been exposed for its anti-union behavior. In response to this, Starbucks workers have been going on strike and demanding that the company stop its union-busting campaign and negotiate fair contracts with unionized stores. The fight against Starbucks' union-busting tactics continues, with workers demanding better working conditions and respect for their rights.
Immunity granted to Saudi crown prince raises concerns of accountability
In an extraordinary coincidence, a US court ordered the granting of immunity to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman just days after a civil suit was filed against him by Jamal Khashoggi's widow. The timing of this immunity grant raises questions about potential manipulation to avoid accountability. Additionally, reports suggest that Saudi Arabia is considering an increase in oil production shortly after failing to do so for months, despite pressure from the Biden administration. This coincidence raises concerns about the close relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia and how it may impact accountability for actions such as alleged union busting and human rights violations.
Saudi crown prince's efforts to evade accountability
The recent immunity granted to Mohammed bin Salman follows his appointment as prime minister of Saudi Arabia just days before a court deadline. This move is seen as a ploy to evade accountability for alleged crimes, including the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. The Biden administration's decision to grant immunity is seen as a dangerous precedent, allowing dictators and authoritarians to believe they can evade justice. This immunity also has implications for ongoing cases and victims seeking accountability. The perception of US accountability and the message it sends to other dictators is concerning, as it may embolden them to commit further atrocities.
The impact of immunity grant on victims and the US-Saudi relationship
The immunity grant to Mohammed bin Salman comes at a time when US-Saudi relations are strained, with reports of interference and espionage. This decision sends a message that accountability can be evaded, even for serious offenses. It raises questions about the US administration's commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and sets a dangerous precedent. The Biden administration should reevaluate its relationship with Saudi Arabia and take a stronger stance on human rights violations.
Concerns over Saudi Arabia's actions and US response
The granting of immunity to Mohammed bin Salman and the potential increase in oil production following pressure from the Biden administration raises concerns about Saudi Arabia's actions and the US response. This immunity grant may be perceived as a license for further human rights abuses, while the US response undermines accountability for alleged crimes. The close US-Saudi relationship and the Biden administration's failure to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for its actions create a troubling precedent for future dictatorships.
