Starbucks in Calgary becomes first in province to unionize
Posted Jul 12, 2022 11:08 pm.
Last Updated Jul 12, 2022 11:13 pm.
A Starbucks coffee shop at the Millrise Centre in southwest Calgary is the first location from the chain to become unionized in Alberta.
The majority of the 32 workers at the store voted in favour of joining the United Steelworkers union (USW).
“We are proud to welcome workers from the first unionized Starbucks store in Alberta to our growing union family,” said Scott Lunny, USW Director for Western Canada, in a statement.
“It’s great to see workers coming together to demand better workplaces and we look forward to assisting them to be heard and garner the respect they deserve from Starbucks,” he added.
Chey Watson, a barista at the MIllrise store, says shipping issues, quality concerns and safety problems all created a challenging work environment.
“The USW has been monumental in providing support and inspiration across Canada and the United States. Having their staff guide our team through the process has been incredibly crucial,” said Watson.
“We wouldn’t be able to see the changes we have already seen without them.”
The United Steelworkers Union says five stores in Lethbridge are also voting to potentially join the union.
The USW also represents Starbucks workers in Victoria, Surrey and Langley in B.C.
