Mixed news: a new documentary spotlights the spreading Starbucks worker uprising, framed as a hopeful fight but one where workers keep losing ground for now.

• The film tracks the Starbucks union drive that began at one Buffalo store in 2021 and has spread to 700 stores nationwide.
• Workers say they face cut hours, low pay, and harsh scheduling — some qualify for food stamps despite having jobs.
• Starbucks closed 59 unionized stores, calling it restructuring, while workers see it as punishment for organizing.
• Weak labor laws let employers fire workers without cause, so organizing still risks people's jobs.
• Bernie Sanders and NYC mayor Mamdani are backing the workers; most national Democrats are seen as distracted or absent.

Outlook: The union fight will keep facing store closures and firings, but rising young-worker activism and recent left-wing wins like Mamdani's point to growing momentum.