Calgary Starbucks fails in bid to join union
Posted Mar 17, 2022 8:56 am.
Workers at a Starbucks in Chinook Mall in Calgary have failed in their attempt to join a union.
In a message from United Steelworkers, they say a vote to join the organization did not work out, and blasted the company for alleged “union-busting tactics.”
https://twitter.com/Tommy_Slick/status/1504215191046672389
USW Organizer for Western Canada, Pablo Guerra, says workers faced numerous delays as well, and the actions from Starbucks shows why they need a union more than ever.
The bid from workers at the Chinook location follows growing movements in the United States, where employees at Starbucks are demanding better working conditions.
“The first thing is wages, but what we’re finding with Starbucks is often dignity and respect. Workers are really troubled everywhere,” said Stephen Hunt, Western Canadian Director of the United Steelworkers. “Workers are the front line, they’re the face of Starbucks. Sometimes workers are attacked because somebody doesn’t like to wear a mask, and workers have to deal with that. Now with the ability to Skip the Dishes and other avenues for take-out orders, while they’re filling out these orders there’s people standing at the counter.”
Related article: Staff at Calgary Starbucks set to vote in union drive
Hunt says workers also see increased discrimination, including racism and sexual harassment, and then they also have to take on more responsibilities given the nature of staffing for a business like Starbucks.
“There’s a high turnover, so the people that are left behind are responsible for the training, and really it comes down in some sense to the management of the store itself. And I think that puts extra pressure on people, and I don’t think — based on what I’m hearing from people — they’re recognized for that effort,” Hunt added.
CityNews reached out to Starbucks for comment on the unionization attempt, in which it responded in part:
“We are committed to finding new and better ways to continue leading on wages and benefits, improve our listening and active partnership.”
Starbucks disputes the claims from the union it interfered in the process.
