Chris Smalls on New School Organizing

Cocktails & Capitalism

We’re back with season 3! We begin by interviewing Chris Smalls – the founder and president of the Amazon Labor Union and the face of the growing labor movement in America. Chris tells us about his #hotlaborsummer tour and his travels across the country to lead protests in front of CEO mansions and penthouses. We discuss his “new school” approach to organizing that has done so much to energize young workers across America and beyond.
On top of bringing the party to the picket line, Chris and others at the ALU are showing the world what solidarity looks like. Tune in to hear us discuss how the ALU provides mutual aid to fellow workers in a way that has created a powerful culture of support and solidarity.

Amazon is the second largest employer in America, so the fact that Chris, Derrick, and their fellow organizers have succeeded in unionizing the first Amazon location in history is a phenomenal accomplishment.

Don’t miss this episode, where we discuss how the labor movement is working to combat the heartless, exploitative forces of capitalism.

You can support the ALU by contributing to their fund! This will help to

HOT LABOR SUMMER COCKTAIL

To celebrate Hot Labor Summer — a hashtag popularized by Chris Smalls — our resident anticapitalist bartender Jesse Torres crafted a delicious spicy cocktail by the same name. It’s perfect for on the patio, by the pool, or on the picket line.

60ml Kentucky Bourbon or Cognac (other spirits substitute nicely)

30ml Pineapple juice

15ml Good quality Grenadine

15ml Lime juice

1 dash Aromatic Bitters

Jalapeños (for muddling)

Method:

Muddle 2-3 slices of jalapeños in a shaker tin with the bourbon. Add the rest of the ingredients and shake well with ice. Double strain into a rocks glass rimmed with chili lime salt like Tajin, and fill with ice. Garnish with a grilled pineapple spear or jalapeño slice.

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This show is sponsored by Beautiful Trouble — an international network of organizers, artists, and trainers working to equip grassroots movements with the tools to become more creative, effective, and irresistible.