Ryan Zunner at Buffalo Toronto Public Media reports the 2021 Starbucks Unionization effort in Buffalo that led to a nationwide effort at more than 650 stores is getting the Silver Screen treatment. Baristas vs. Billionaires premiered at the Buffalo International Film Festival on Friday (October 10th). The successful Union vote in December of 2021 was a culmination of years of organizing efforts by Workers at an Elmwood Starbucks location. It was hailed as a major win by Organized Labor and marked new territory for Retail and Service Workers, who by and large had little Union representation. Now that effort and the Buffalonians behind it are having their story told in a 72-minute documentary narrated by Oscar winner Susan Sarandon. The film’s Director, Mark Mori, said the three-year process for making the documentary was one of discovery - and stands as a call to action: “We went in to see what the real truth of this is. And in finding the truth, we realized it was a call to action was needed. These young people who are standing up to (Starbucks CEO) Howard Schultz and the Billionaire Class could inspire not only other Baristas in organizing their Unions, other Working-Class People and organizing Unions, but people standing up in general and fighting for a better life.”

To Read This Labor News Report In Its Entirety, Go To: Starbucks union center of documentary premiering at Buffalo International Film Festival | WXXI News