TORONTO – Toronto just got its first unionized Starbucks location. During a vote that occurred between March 6 and 7, Partners at the Pape and Danforth locations said yes to joining the United Steelworkers (USW) union.
After successes in Western Canada, the Danforth location becomes the fourth Starbucks location in Ontario to unionize.
“We started this campaign because we intrinsically know our worth. We know that we are the foundation of our store and the company and we deserve to be valued and respected as such,” said Jo Price, a Partner at the Danforth location.
As Starbucks locations across North America join and form their unions, it’s become evident how Starbucks’ operations undervalue the hard work and dedication Partners put in.
“In a world that is hostile to workers and increasingly becoming more precarious for us, having protections in place outside of those dictated by the company, as well as a shot at accessing a living wage, is more important than ever,” said Price.
“Workers across industries often look to the Steelworkers to represent them and their interests at work and Starbucks Partners are no different. They want fair compensation, a healthy and safe workplace and a work environment where they are valued,” said Myles Sullivan, USW District 6 Director (Ontario and Atlantic Canada). “We are more than happy to help them get there.”
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The USW represents Starbucks workers at stores in Calgary, Edmonton and Sherwood Park in Alberta; Victoria, Vancouver, Surrey and Langley in B.C., and in Waterloo, Kitchener and Ajax in Ontario.
The USW also 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 our 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.
Ontario workers who want to learn more about forming a union with the USW can contact Darlene Jalbert at djalbert@usw.ca or 613-362-4414. All contact is confidential.
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