Private-sector union United Steelworkers (USW) has successfully negotiated initial collective bargaining agreements for five newly unionised Starbucks locations in Ontario, Canada.

This follows the precedent set by the Starbucks Waterloo Uptown store, which was the first among these to ratify its contract.

Employees at the Starbucks branches in Rossland and Hardwood, Ajax; Kitchener - Fairway Plaza; Waterloo - Conestoga Mall Indigo; and Toronto - Pape and Danforth have all secured their inaugural agreements.

USW District 6 director Kevon Stewart said: "The ratification of these agreements marks a powerful step forward for Starbucks workers.

“Across Ontario and the Atlantic provinces, baristas are organising, speaking out and winning real improvements in their workplaces. This momentum shows that when Starbucks workers stand together, they can achieve fair wages, better schedules and the respect they deserve.”  

District 6, the USW’s union in the Ontario and Atlantic provinces, plans to extend the union’s representation at Starbucks stores across the two provinces and throughout Canada.

USW District 6 co-ordinator Anita Bryan said: “Every time a Starbucks store ratifies their agreement, it sends a powerful message to workers everywhere that solidarity works and that their voices matter and we are there for them.

“Our movement is growing stronger daily, and we are committed to standing by Starbucks workers as they fight for fairness and respect.”

The USW serves 225,000 members across various economic sectors in Canada and 850,000 members in the US, the Caribbean and Canada.

In April this year, labour union Workers United unanimously rejected an offer from Starbucks that proposed a minimum annual salary increase of 2%.

Earlier in the year, Starbucks announced intentions to cut 1,100 corporate positions as part of CEO Brian Niccol's plan to streamline operations and bolster financial outcomes.