United Steelworkers union members at Waterloo Starbucks win positive ruling on first contract
07 Octubre 2024 - 1:55PM
The United Steelworkers union (USW) is pleased to announce a
favourable arbitration ruling for members at the Uptown Waterloo
Starbucks store who have reached their first collective agreement
with the coffee giant.
The decision by a provincial government arbitration board
follows extensive but constructive bargaining between the USW and
Starbucks to secure a first contract for the employees, who voted
to join the union in May 2023. The Waterloo store becomes the first
of five USW-represented Starbucks locations in Ontario to reach a
collective agreement.
“This arbitration decision is a huge win and a positive outcome
for our members at Starbucks,” said Kevon Stewart, USW District 6
Director. “While the bargaining process was largely co-operative,
we are glad to have reached a resolution that protects our members’
rights and scheduling flexibility.”
At the centre of the arbitration process was the employer’s
proposal to end an existing practice allowing employees to “borrow”
shifts at other Starbucks stores. The practice, which offers
flexibility for workers, is common at non-unionized Starbucks
locations.
The arbitration board agreed with the USW’s argument that the
practice should be maintained at the unionized store, ensuring
equitable scheduling opportunities for all employees.
The USW represents workers at four other Starbucks locations in
Ontario – on Harwood Avenue in Ajax, at the Fairway Plaza in
Kitchener, at the Indigo store in the Conestoga Mall in Waterloo,
and at Pape and Danforth in Toronto. The USW also represents
workers at several Starbucks locations in Western Canada.
The arbitration ruling sets a strong precedent for USW members
at other Starbucks locations who are seeking to reach collective
agreements, as well as for the union’s ongoing efforts to expand
union representation for workers in the coffee industry.
“We look forward to continuing a productive relationship with
Starbucks as we work towards fair contracts for workers,” Stewart
said. “This decision is a step towards ensuring better conditions
for employees, and we remain committed to standing up for their
rights.”
USW encourages other Starbucks employees to consider joining the
union to secure their rights and improve their working
conditions.
“We believe that every Starbucks worker deserves a voice and the
protection that comes with union membership,” Stewart added.
“Together, we can build a stronger, more supportive workplace for
everyone.”
Starbucks workers interested in joining the USW can learn more
about the benefits at https://www.imaginebetter.work/starbucks.
About the United Steelworkers union
The USW represents 225,000 members in nearly every economic
sector across Canada and is the largest private-sector union in
North America, with 850,000 members in Canada, the United States
and the Caribbean.
Each year, thousands of workers choose to join the USW because
of the union’s strong track record in creating healthier, safer and
more respectful workplaces and negotiating better working
conditions and fairer compensation – including good wages, benefits
and pensions.
Contacts:
Darlene Jalbert djlabert@usw.ca 613-362-4414 – Organizing
Co-ordinator
Mario Fortunato mfortunato@usw.ca 506-440-5731 – Organizer
Staff
Anita Bryan abryan@usw.ca 519 740-7955 – District 6
Co-ordinator