Why Don't We Have More Labor Films? (w/ director Chris Sessions and Working Films) episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 16, 2026 · 40 MIN

Why Don't We Have More Labor Films? (w/ director Chris Sessions and Working Films)

from The Labor Notes Podcast · host Labor Notes

The documentary Partners: How Starbucks Baristas Started a Labor Revolution charts the seemingly improbable course set off by a group of workers in Buffalo, New York, who organized the first Starbucks location in 2021 and helped to grow a highly visible, energetic movement. The film casts Starbucks workers as a symbol of persistence in the face of vicious union-busting, and projects hope for renewed militancy among rank-and-file workers everywhere. Director Chris Sessions and Andy Myers from Working Films join pod co-hosts Danielle Smith and Natascha Elena Uhlmann. Support Striking Baristas!  1. Organize a screening of "Partners" in your community! Learn more: https://www.partnersthefilm.com/   2. Sign the "No Contract, No Coffee" pledge and don't buy from Starbucks during the strike: nocontractnocoffee.org   3. Contribute to the Starbucks Workers United national strike fund.   Check out our previous episode on the SBWU strike from November, featuring barista Sabina Aguirre and Labor Notes editor Jenny Brown.

The documentary Partners: How Starbucks Baristas Started a Labor Revolution charts the seemingly improbable course set off by a group of workers in Buffalo, New York, who organized the first Starbucks location in 2021 and helped to grow a highly visible, energetic movement. The film casts Starbucks workers as a symbol of persistence in the face of vicious union-busting, and projects hope for renewed militancy among rank-and-file workers everywhere. Director Chris Sessions and Andy Myers from Working Films join pod co-hosts Danielle Smith and Natascha Elena Uhlmann. Support Striking Baristas!  1. Organize a screening of "Partners" in your community! Learn more: https://www.partnersthefilm.com/   2. Sign the "No Contract, No Coffee" pledge and don't buy from Starbucks during the strike: nocontractnocoffee.org   3. Contribute to the Starbucks Workers United national strike fund.   Check out our previous episode on the SBWU strike from November, featuring barista Sabina Aguirre and Labor Notes editor Jenny Brown.

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Why Don't We Have More Labor Films? (w/ director Chris Sessions and Working Films)

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The documentary Partners: How Starbucks Baristas Started a Labor Revolution charts the seemingly improbable course set off by a group of workers in Buffalo, New York, who organized the first Starbucks location in 2021 and helped to grow a highly...

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