United Steelworkers District 6 joined Starbucks workers today for a Baristas of Steel rally, bringing together baristas, labour allies and community members to call for fairness, dignity and a real voice on the job.
The rally highlighted growing momentum for unionization across Canada and emphasized the need to support Starbucks workers in the U.S., where thousands of workers who have unionized are fighting for a fair first contract.
Starbucks baristas from Waterloo Jaymi, Sue, Octavian and Alec – all proud members of the USW – shared why showing up today mattered. For them, this rally was both personal and deeply rooted in solidarity.
“We have our contracts here,” they explained. “But our siblings in the U.S., the company still refuses to come to the table. Workers are being ignored, and it’s not fair. We’re here to support our siblings who have been waiting for more than five years for a fair agreement.”
They also spoke about Starbucks’ recent decision to close nearly 500 stores across North America with minimal notice just before the holiday season, the busiest time of the year for baristas.
“Some workers found out they were losing their jobs through Reddit,” one barista said. “Starbucks call us ‘partners,’ but when decisions like this happen, it shows how little say workers actually have.”
When asked what message they wanted to send to U.S. Starbucks workers, the group was united: “We are behind you. We hear you. We see you – keep holding the line.”
USW District 6 Co-ordinator Anita Bryan reflected on the significance of holding the rally on International Human Rights Day: “Workers’ rights are human rights. Starbucks workers deserve fairness, respect, and a contract – no matter what side of the border they’re on. Today’s rally shows the strength of our solidarity.”
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