Calgary Starbucks retailer turns into first in Alberta to conform to union contract

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Workers at a southwest Calgary Starbucks retailer have agreed to a primary contract, greater than a yr after turning into the primary in Alberta to unionize.

The United Steelworkers union (USW) referred to as the three-year settlement a “large victory” for the Millrise Centre workers following months of negotiation.

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Workers on the Millrise Boulevard S.W. outlet voted to affix the union in July 2022. It’s the union’s first contract for Starbucks workers in Alberta and solely its second in Canada. The opposite unionized retailer is a drive-thru location in Victoria, with greater than 300 others in Canada and america — together with a number of extra in Alberta — nonetheless negotiating first collective agreements with the Seattle-based espresso big.

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The contract, as soon as ratified, consists of a right away 5 per cent wage enhance and improved job safety, the union stated in a launch Thursday. An extra 5 per cent wage enhance is included over the next two years.

“This milestone settlement units a brand new commonplace for employees’ rights and protections throughout the espresso business and reinforces the (union’s) dedication to advocating for truthful wages, office security and improved working situations,” the discharge states.

Starbucks described negotiations as “respectful and constructive.”

“Whereas Starbucks believes {that a} direct relationship as companions is core to the tradition and experiences we create in our shops, Starbucks has at all times been dedicated to bargaining in good religion,” it stated in an announcement.

Starbucks operates greater than 1,400 shops throughout Canada, in accordance with its web site. The corporate final yr introduced pay will increase, added advantages and expanded coaching for Canadian workers.

Jacob Dickenscheid, a bargaining committee member with USW Native 1-207, stated the settlement units a precedent for Starbucks workers and others within the business.

“This contract reveals Starbucks does worth us, as troublesome as negotiations have been,” stated Dickenscheid.