Minneapolis Café Workers Unionize with Local 17

Mariam Karkache, a barista at Café Cerés in Minneapolis, celebrated the unionization of her workplace, highlighting ongoing issues of exploitation in the food service industry. Despite a national decline in union membership within this sector, Minneapolis has seen a resurgence in labor organizing, which is exemplified by Karkache's experience and ongoing union efforts. Meanwhile, in Alabama, a lengthy strike by 1,100 coal miners against Warrior Met has raised questions about corporate accountability and labor rights, despite limited public attention and political support. In Turkey, Nilüfer Municipality has publicly defended its commitment to employees' union rights, countering allegations of intimidation and stressing the importance of voluntary unionization. The broader context of union membership reveals ongoing challenges, as seen in Australia where youth participation in unions has significantly declined over recent decades. However, historical efforts by unions have led to key labor rights victories, indicating their enduring relevance in advocating for workers' conditions.