Three years ago, on December 21, 2021, we ended our 77-day strike at Kellogg’s—the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Striking during the holidays is especially challenging; management reminds you how much you’re disappointing customers, and the season’s expenses add to the stress. But thank you, Omaha, for all the support - we were able to return to our jobs and had a lovely Christmas. Compared to the enormous pressure of leading my friends and family into the unknown, the Senate campaign was a cakewalk.

This year, two days before Christmas, workers at Starbucks and Amazon are still fighting for better working conditions and their fair share. Despite tens of thousands of workers voting to unionize, both Amazon and Starbucks—corporations that generate billions for their shareholders—refuse to respect the workers’ will. Employees have no control over their schedules, are given fewer hours than they need to survive or qualify for benefits, and endure grueling physical demands. This statistic stunned me: “Amazon workers account for 36 percent of all warehouse employees in the U.S., but over 53 percent of warehouse injuries.”

There are two Starbucks pickets tomorrow from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Omaha at two locations: 125th & West Center, and the southeast corner of 72nd & Dodge.

You may help striking Amazon workers by donating here:

Strike Fundraising — Amazon Labor Union

Last year, I spoke with young Nebraskans organizing their workplaces. They shared concerns about being understaffed, denied sufficient hours, and having little control over their work—issues that go far beyond wages. Workers need unions to negotiate fair working conditions.

This is why we need to pass the PRO Act (Protecting the Right to Organize Act). It will compel companies like Amazon and Starbucks to come to the table with workers and negotiate contracts. We also need to end right-to-work laws, which weaken unions and prevent them from fully representing the collective will of all workers in a workplace.

Happy holidays to you and your family. Hope to see some of you on the line.

Dan Osborn