He came to the store later that afternoon and cut our coworker a check. We won. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – IN ADDITION to confronting management's abuse of workers on the job, the SWU has organized pickets and rallies to draw attention to the union and workers' fights against management. "Since 2004, we have made real progress." Forman said. "After months of pressure from the union, Starbucks conceded a wage increase for baristas in the New York City metro area in 2006. We have fought numerous battles over health and safety issues, discrimination, and unfair treatment by management in the workplace. Despite Starbucks nationally coordinated anti-union campaign, the union continues to pick up steam." Government documents show that Starbucks has spied on union members (including after work hours) and transferred workers to keep down the ratio of pro-union workers. In New York City, the company was found guilty of nearly 30 violations of labor law–including interrogating employees and firing union members.