Union-busting billionaire Howard Schultz puts his money on Andy Kim

Congressman Andy Kim's campaign for the Democratic US Senate nomination is facing criticism after it was revealed that he accepted a large contribution from former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, known for his anti-union stance and aggressive tactics against workers' rights.

Federal Election Commission records show that Schultz donated $2000 to Kim's campaign. Schultz's reputation for opposing unions and employing contentious strategies during his tenure at Starbucks has sparked concern regarding Kim's alignment with corporate interests over workers' welfare.

Lisa McCormick, a progressive Democrat who garnered substantial support in the 2018 primary, expressed dismay over Kim's acceptance of financial support from the union-busting billionaire.

"It is deeply troubling to see Andy Kim accepting financial support from Howard Schultz, the poster boy for corporate anti-labor practices in America," said McCormick, who took four of ten votes away from corrupt US Senator Bob Menendez. "By aligning himself with union-busting Schultz, Andy Kim sends a clear message that he is willing to prioritize the interests of corporate elites over the rights and well-being of workers."

Schultz's contentious actions, including violating federal labor laws and engaging in retaliatory measures against pro-union employees, have raised ethical questions about Kim's decision to associate with him.

Recent rulings by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) have underscored Schultz's company's repeated breaches of labor laws, including illegal firings and anti-union practices.

Starbucks is leading a group of corporate giants —among them Amazon, SpaceX, and Trader Joe’s —that are aiming at the NLRB with a case before the US Supreme Court that could hobble the agency in charge of protecting unions and their members in response to complaints over their alleged harassment, intimidation, and illegal firings of unionizing employees.

Starbucks was found guilty last year of “egregious and widespread misconduct” according to a 220-page ruling in which a judge found that Starbucks illegally retaliated against employees for unionizing; promised improved pay and benefits if workers rejected the union; conducted illegal surveillance of pro-union workers; refused to hire prospective employees who supported the union; relocated union organizers to new stores and overstaffed stores ahead of union votes – all clear violations of federal labor law.

Starbucks' alleged misconduct towards employees engaged in union organizing would make Schultz's support toxic for Kim's campaign but a source close to Hudson County party boss Anthony Vainieri said, "most New Jersey voters are uninformed."

Corporate-owned media outlets in the state are not likely to report on substantive issues as coverage of the June 4 primary election will tend to focus on fundraising and polling results and Kim's top opponent, civil rights champion Lawrence Hamm, has struggled to collect campaign contributions.

Democrats for Change, an anti-establishment progressive group, urged Kim to address the donation and clarify his stance on corporate influence in politics in a statement that emphasized the importance of Democratic values centered on supporting working families, enhancing labor rights, and championing fair wages and benefits.

Kim's acceptance of Schultz's contribution raises concerns about his commitment to advocating for the interests of working-class Americans, particularly in a climate of widening income inequality and threats to workers' rights. It underscores the need for elected officials to prioritize collective bargaining and demonstrate unwavering support for labor rights amidst corporate influence in politics.