Victoria Starbucks Says Its Employees Have Been Denied Wage Increases Because of Unionization – North Island Gazette

A Starbucks store in Victoria is calling the Seattle-born coffee company, saying it has been denied recent wage increases because of its decision to unionize.

The Capital’s drive-thru cafe, located at 3180 Douglas Street, said in a Monday, May 30, press release that its employees have been denied wage increases and investments in benefits and training announced by Starbucks. Canada at the beginning of May.

These increases would benefit all stores and all employee positions in Canada when rolled out this summer, according to the release. But employees at the Douglas store say they received an email shortly after that announcement telling them “they would not be receiving partner investments because it was a unionized store.”

This infuriated the workers, as Starbucks Canada reportedly assured them that it would support the choice to unionize.

“We are thrilled to see Starbucks taking steps to address the inability of many people to afford a comfortable life. We agree that our work is worth more and higher wages will help us live with dignity and create the best moments with our customers,” said Douglas Street employees.

The local store has asked its parent company to extend wage increases to them.

United Steelworkers (USW), the union representing the Victoria store, says it has asked Starbucks to extend investment to the Victoria branch, but this has been refused by the company.

“We’re asking Starbucks to do the right thing and extend partner investments and wage increases to the unionized store,” Lunny said. “We know that our members work as hard and contribute as much as any other partner in any other store across Canada and they should be treated with the respect they deserve.

The Victoria News has sought comment from Starbucks.

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