Waterloo Starbucks union members secure first contract victory
- A provincial arbitration board ruled in favor of United Steelworkers union members at a Starbucks store in Waterloo, Ontario.
- The ruling allows employees to continue the practice of 'borrowing' shifts from other stores, ensuring scheduling flexibility.
- This decision marks a significant step for unionized Starbucks locations, encouraging other employees to consider joining the union for better working conditions.
In October 2024, a significant arbitration ruling was made in Waterloo, Ontario, benefiting members of the United Steelworkers union at a local Starbucks store. This decision followed extensive negotiations between the union and Starbucks, resulting in the first collective agreement for employees who joined the union in May 2023. The ruling is particularly notable as it allows employees to maintain the practice of 'borrowing' shifts from other stores, which provides them with scheduling flexibility. This practice is common in non-unionized locations and was a point of contention during negotiations. The arbitration board sided with the union, ensuring equitable scheduling opportunities for all workers. This ruling sets a precedent for other Starbucks locations represented by the USW in Ontario and Western Canada, reinforcing the union's commitment to improving working conditions and employee rights. The USW encourages other Starbucks employees to consider union membership to secure their rights and enhance their workplace environment.