Last Updated on December 20, 2022, 11:35 AM | Published: September 2, 2022
OKLAHOMA CITY (Free Press) — A day of solidarity has been planned for Labor Day. Labor unions across Oklahoma City are coming together for a rally on Monday from noon to 3:00pm at the Capitol South Plaza.
The Labor Day rally comes during a major push for labor organizing across the country, including Oklahoma. Five stores in the wider OKC metro have pushed for unionization, while three have succeeded.
The OKC rally will be one among many planned throughout the United States on the holiday to focus attention on the effort of Starbucks workers to gain the right to organize and collectively bargain for pay, benefits, and work conditions.
Capitol rally in OKC
This rally was organized by Starbucks Workers United, but other unions are also expected to show support, such as Teamsters and United Brotherhood of Carpenters.
Some other guests expected to make an appearance include:
- Democratic Oklahoma House Representative Mauree Turner
- Oklahoma City Councilmember JoBeth Hamon
- Oklahoma City Councilmember JoBeth Hamon
- Oklahoma County Assessor candidate Nick Singer
- Oklahoma City DSA
- Oklahoma County Democratic Party
Alisha Humphrey is a Starbucks partner at 63rd and Grand. When asked about the rally, she told Free Press, “I think the message we’re wanting to send is to get the recognition by the company and also engage and connect with the community supporters.”
Collin Pollitt, one of the Starbucks Workers United regional organizers in OKC, told Free Press, “We are coordinating with regional politicians, labor leaders, DSA, Oklahoma County Democrats, local unions, Starbucks partners, and the public.”
“This is a day of empowerment for all workers across the country,” Pollitt continued. “Our coordinated actions aim to hold Starbucks accountable to the progressive values they tout. We are carrying the banner of previous labor activists with the idea that ‘all labor has dignity’ (MLK Jr.)”.
Three Sip-ins
There are other events related to the rally at the Capitol. “Sip-ins” in three unionized locations will take place all day during Labor Day weekend:
- Starbucks at 63rd and Grand on Friday
- 36th and May on Saturday
- 23rd and Robinson on Sunday
Alex Gatley covers labor activities in the state of Oklahoma.
