John,

Nothing these corporations do surprises me, but this is still appalling: I just got word a Starbucks store in L.A. near the wildfires pushed baristas to show up to work without a guarantee of their safety or an offer to take the day off if they or their loved ones were directly impacted.

While some Starbucks workers fled their homes, and a location in Pacific Palisades burned down, management told workers that "the community depends on us."

You know who depends on workers like me? Our families, our friends, and our neighbors. Starbucks only depends on me for the profits I make them and it's not fair for Starbucks to ask any worker to risk their life and lungs for their bottom line – especially when Starbucks is dragging its feet on offering our union a solid economic package and contract.

Tell Starbucks we're watching to make sure L.A. workers are being protected by sharing this video from an L.A. Starbucks worker now. The more vigilant and loud we are, the more Starbucks will treat all their L.A. workers with respect.

Low-wage workers have always borne the brunt of climate change, even in progressive states like California. In times like these, domestic workers, gardeners, rideshare drivers, delivery drivers, gas station attendants, fast-food workers, and more are being forced to choose between working and keeping themselves safe. 

We're the ones on the front lines risking our safety to care for others or make profits for the boss. Hell, incarcerated firefighters are risking their lives for as little as $5.80 to $10.24 PER DAY right now!!

Then, after the smoke and dust settle, we're left with few options to bounce back.

Let's continue to fight together for our union rights so, collectively, we have the power to demand we be treated with respect and dignity. Now more than ever, solidarity is crucial: in the workplace, and as we look after each other as climate change continues to decimate our communities.

Let's be really loud right now to make sure L.A. Starbucks workers are being treated with respect: Share this video on social media now.

Naomi Martinez
Phoenix, Arizona
Starbucks Worker
Fight for a Union and Starbucks Workers United