At a Senate hearing chaired by Senator Bernie Sanders, Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks, denied the company had violated workers' rights. Senator Sanders argued that Starbucks had engaged in illegal anti-union activities and had retaliated against workers who had tried to unionize. The hearing is part of a larger effort by Senate Democrats to ensure companies comply with labor laws and protect workers' rights, and it remains to be seen whether Schultz and Starbucks will be held accountable.
Posts tagged as “Bernie Sander”
Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is set to face off with Senator Bernie Sanders in a congressional hearing on Wednesday, titled "No Company Is Above the Law: The Need to End Illegal Union Busting at Starbucks". The hearing comes after weeks of clashes between Sanders and Starbucks, and will include testimony from Schultz and other witnesses. It is an opportunity for Starbucks to address labor practices and for Schultz to defend his record as CEO, and the outcome of the hearing remains to be seen.
Rep. Ro Khanna of California announced on Sunday that he will not be entering the competitive Democratic primary to fill the Senate seat of retiring Sen. Dianne Feinstein, instead opting to endorse fellow progressive Rep. Barbara Lee. Khanna cited his belief that the House of Representatives is the best place for him to serve as a progressive, and Lee has been a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform, economic justice, and women’s rights. The California Democratic primary for Feinstein’s seat will be held in June 2022, with Khanna’s decision to stay in the House setting the field of candidates vying for the seat.
Four Democratic senators are calling on Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to take action against trusts and financial vehicles used by the wealthiest individuals to avoid taxes. This comes as Congress is making no progress on how to avert a debt ceiling crisis and the recent collapses of some banks are deepening the stalemate. The senators’ letter is a step towards ensuring that the wealthiest individuals pay their fair share, but it remains to be seen whether the Treasury Secretary will take action on the proposed regulations.
Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has agreed to testify before a Senate committee investigating allegations of union-busting leveled against the coffee chain. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has been a vocal advocate for workers' rights and has recently released a book on Social Security and the future of jobs. The Senate panel was set to vote Wednesday to subpoena Schultz if he did not willingly agree to testify, but with Schultz now agreeing to appear, the vote is no longer necessary.
First Lady Jill Biden has strongly rejected Nikki Haley's proposal for politicians over the age of 75 to take a mental competency test, calling it "ridiculous." Sen. Bernie Sanders has also criticized the proposal, calling it "insulting" and "based on ageism and sexism." The idea has been widely criticized by both Democrats and Republicans, as it is seen as an attack on the elderly and a violation of their rights.
At Tuesday's State of the Union address, President Joe Biden accused Republicans of wanting to use "debt ceiling" negotiations to force cuts to Social Security and Medicare. In response, Democrats proposed a bill to increase Social Security benefits and fund them through taxes on the wealthy. The debate over Social Security and Medicare continues to be a contentious issue in Washington, with both sides proposing different solutions.