Best of Week 4/4 - 4/8: Amazon Labor Union, Media Blackmail, Obama Returns, Regime Change, Starbucks Workers, Twitter, & More!
Apr 8, 2022
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Christian Smalls, President of the Amazon Labor Union, shares insights on their groundbreaking efforts for unionization and the challenges faced against corporate giants. Matt Taibbi discusses media manipulation and the accountability of journalism amid rising threats. They delve into the complexities of regime change and critique Obama-era policies that fail to address current struggles. The conversation also sheds light on the ongoing fight for workers' rights at Starbucks and the evolving landscape of labor activism in the U.S.
Elon Musk's investment in Twitter as the largest shareholder raises questions about the platform's approach to free speech.
Starbucks' unionization movement highlights the need for workers to have a say in their workplace through collective representation.
The success of the Amazon Labor Union at the JFK8 warehouse showcases the potential for collective bargaining and worker empowerment in the modern era.
Deep dives
Elon Musk's Stance on Free Speech and Twitter's Adherence to It
Elon Musk recently conducted a poll on Twitter asking if free speech is essential to a functioning democracy and if Twitter rigorously adheres to this principle. 70% of respondents said no, indicating skepticism towards Twitter's commitment to free speech. Musk cryptically stated that the consequences of this poll will be important. While his comments may be related to his decision to buy Twitter stock, it highlights his criticism of Twitter's approach to free speech.
Starbucks' Response to Unionization Efforts
Starbucks is facing a burgeoning unionization movement, which has gained momentum and spread to several stores. In response, the company has enlisted the help of Howard Schultz, its founder, who has a history of union busting. Starbucks recently announced the suspension of stock buybacks, signaling a willingness to invest more in its employees. However, critics argue that workers should not have to rely on corporate goodwill, but rather have a say in their workplace through union representation. Additionally, there have been reports of worker organizers, such as Layla Dalton, being fired, raising concerns about union busting tactics.
Amazon Warehouse Union Success and the Future of the Movement
Christian Smalls, the president of the Amazon Labor Union, achieved a historic victory when the JFK8 warehouse in Staten Island voted to unionize. The ALU's success has sparked interest from other Amazon workers across the country, with numerous facilities expressing a desire to form ALU chapters. Despite Amazon's attempts to stop the movement, including arresting Smalls, the ALU remains determined and prepared for further union drives. They urge supporters to volunteer, donate, and follow their progress as they strive to unionize other Amazon warehouses. The ALU's success demonstrates the potential for collective bargaining and workers' empowerment in the 21st century.
The Challenge of Unionizing Starbucks and its Response
Starbucks is witnessing an increasing unionization movement among its employees, with numerous stores already unionizing and over a hundred set to vote. Howard Schultz, the company's founder, has been brought back as CEO to counter the union efforts. Starbucks recently announced the suspension of stock buybacks to invest more in its employees, signaling a response to worker demands. However, concerns remain about the company's intentions, especially with reports of worker organizers being fired. The unionization movement in Starbucks aims to give workers a voice and power in their workplace to improve wages and benefits.
Elon Musk Becomes Largest Shareholder in Twitter and Joins Board of Directors
Elon Musk has purchased a 9.2% stake in Twitter, making him the largest single shareholder in the company. Musk's investment has sparked speculation about the future of Twitter and its business challenges. Twitter has been struggling to improve its business and has undergone a leadership change with the departure of Jack Dorsey. However, the new CEO, Parag Agarwal, has raised concerns with his previous statements about Twitter's approach to free speech and censorship. Musk's involvement in Twitter could potentially have a significant impact on content policies and the platform's handling of controversial issues.
Biden Administration's Approach to Regime Change and Its Potential Consequences
The Biden administration's interest in regime change, particularly in Russia, raises concerns given the track record of previous interventions. Matt Taibbi highlights the failures of past regime change attempts, such as in Iraq and Afghanistan, and emphasizes the negative consequences they yielded. He criticizes the belief that installing liberal democracies can solve global conflicts and argues that such interventions can lead to political instability and unintended consequences. The discussion also touches on the Biden administration's stance towards Russia, its goals in Ukraine, and the potential risks and dangers associated with its lack of coherent strategy in dealing with foreign conflicts.
Krystal and Saagar talk about the Amazon labor union, media manipulation, Starbucks workers, Elon's Twitter play, regime change failures, Obama humiliating Biden, Chris Smalls' next steps, and more!
