Hamilton Starbucks employees join the United Steelworkers union

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Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire Hamilton Starbucks employees join the United Steelworkers unionAuthor of the article:HAMILTON, Ontario, Sept. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Workers at a downtown Hamilton Starbucks store are the coffee chain’s latest employees in Canada to join the United Steelworkers union (USW).THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountAfter reaching out to the USW, workers at the Starbucks location at 112 King St. E. quickly came together to organize their union, and in a labour ministry-supervised vote, they chose to join the Steelworkers.The USW represents workers at several Starbucks locations in Ontario and Western Canada.“The workers in Hamilton chose the USW to help address issues and concerns that are similar to what we’ve heard from other Starbucks partners who successfully negotiated collective agreements after joining our union,” said Anita Bryan, Co-ordinator of USW District 6 (representing Ontario and Atlantic Canada).Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againIssues raised by the Hamilton workers include:Health and safety concerns – particularly customer abuse and harassment;A time and attendance policy with unclear rules that could lead to dismissal;A lack of recognition for seniority and limited opportunities for long-standing employees;The effect on workers of corporate changes focused on higher prices and increased volume;A need for a clear wage structure and solid benefits that cannot be changed whenever Starbucks shifts its approach to the business.“The next stage for these members will be to elect their bargaining committee and prepare for contract negotiations. Our union will stand by these workers and provide the support and resources they need to negotiate their first collective agreement,” said USW organizer Meg Grimes.“I congratulate these Starbucks workers on their determination to form a union to address issues that affect their working and living standards. They came together, stood strong and won,” said USW District 6 Director Kevon Stewart.“They simply expect what all workers deserve – stability, fairness and a real voice in the decisions affecting them at work,” Stewart said.For more information on unionizing Starbucks locations or getting involved, visit imaginebetter.work/starbucks.About the United Steelworkers unionThe USW represents 225,000 members in nearly every economic sector across Canada and is the largest private-sector union in North America, with 850,000 members in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean.Each year, thousands of workers choose to join the USW because of the union’s strong track record in creating healthier, safer and more respectful workplaces and negotiating better working conditions and fairer compensation – including good wages, benefits and pensions.Kevon Stewart, USW District 6 Director, 416-243-8792Meg Grimes, USW Organizing, mgrimes@usw.caDenis St. Pierre, USW Communications, 647-522-1630, dstpierre@usw.caThis advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. 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