Starbucks goes on strike. Is it 1945 all over again?

Photo above - Otis elevator operators in 1945. Starbucks' baristas in 2024.

I interviewed a guy for a job, a few years ago. His resume said “barista” for his current job. I had to ask – what in the world is that?

“I pour coffee at Starbucks”.

I never blinked an eye. This kid was the boss’s son applying for a job. I was evidently only conducting the interview to avoid any appearance of nepotism. We were a financial and software company. The boy knew something about Java, but not our kind. Junior had finally listened to dad and ended a bad 3 year career decision called barista. “You’re hired!” (Actually, HR made that call.)

The Starbucks’ strike in the link below is about wages and benefits, of course. For a part time job pouring coffee to go, for commuters. The dream is to be able to support a family of 4 decently on a job like this. Or take regular European vacations. The reality is that will never happen. Evidently baristas were unimpressed with the campaign position of both Kamala and Trump – to end income taxes on tips. Their existential problem remained . . . baristas are stuck in a job with no potential for advancement. At least Amazon provides pickers and drivers free part time college tuition, and they can give programming a shot. Rumor has it that some guy actually made it, and tripled his Amazon salary. Theres an advert to this effect on basic Spotify.

Elevator operators found themselves in position similar to baristas after World War 2. A job with no potential for advancement. “Strike!”

In the case of the elevator operators, their action triggered an immediate and irreversible transition to self-service elevators. (see link below). Evidently the elevator operators had a misconception that office and apartment buildings would have to replace an entire elevator to make it self service. In fact, only that weird half-moon shaped hand throttle, like they use on battleships, needed to go. Just put in a few buttons and a chime.

Just so you know, I am NOT rooting for baristas to get replaced by buttons and chimes. But Starbucks is already sucking it. Wait times are as long as 30 minutes for service. Prices are through the roof. Baristas write insulting nicknames on cups when your order is finally ready. Drinks are poured improperly. And Starbucks is already in the process of “simplifying” its menu, because baristas are challenged with mixtures involving java, syrup, cream, and sugar. Repeat: I do NOT want baristas to get fired en-masse. But those who cannot remember history are likely to repeat it.

Just ask your granny, if she was ever an elevator operator.

I’m just sayin’ . . .

Starbucks is on the cusp of a major barista strike

(25) How A Historic Strike Paved the Way for the Automated Elevator and What Those Lessons Could Mean for Self-Driving Cars | LinkedIn