Local News for July 11, 2023

- NLRB Judge Orders Starbucks To Reopen Ithaca Collegetown Store -

A National Labor Relations Board judge has ordered Starbucks to reopen its Ithaca Collegetown store after it closed last June. The judge says the company closed the coffee shop to discourage unionizing efforts. The judge issued the decision last Thursday. The Ithaca Voice reports Starbucks must also rehire all employees who lost their jobs because of the store’s closure. The company’s also ordered to compensate six workers from various Ithaca locations. The judge says they were unlawfully fired. A Starbucks representative says the company plans to challenge the decision. It would take a federal injunction to reopen the store while the legal dispute continues. 

- NYS Attorney General James To Meet With Residents At GIAC This Week -

New York State Attorney General Letitia James will meet with residents at the Greater Ithaca Activities Center or GIAC on Thursday from 10 am to 1 pm. Community members can get legal guidance on issues like housing discrimination, workers’ rights, and consumer fraud from James and her staff. State Senator Lea Webb, Assemblyperson Anna Kelles, and other local officials will also be there. You can find out more about how to attend here.

- Jim Murphy -

Finally today, we at WRFI Community Radio are mourning the recent death of Jim Murphy. Jim was part of the small band of people who revitalized this community radio station ten years ago. He hosted the Ithaca-Watkins Glen Morning Show on weekdays for years. Jim was a peacemaker, a teacher, a mentor, and had the best beard you’ll ever see. And he’s the reason many people of all ages got involved with the station. I’m one of them. A celebration of his life will be held on July 22 at the First Unitarian Church of Ithaca. In the coming days, we’ll share memories of Jim. For now, we want to offer our deepest condolences to his family.