Starbucks Partners in Surrey, B.C., Join United Steelworkers Union: A Major Step Towards Fair Treatment and Workplace Protections
On March 19, 2025, seventeen Starbucks partners from the Alder Crossing location in Surrey, British Columbia, made history by officially joining the United Steelworkers union (USW) Local 2009. This significant step comes as part of their ongoing fight for fair treatment and stronger workplace protections.
Background
Starbucks, the world’s largest coffeehouse chain, has long been criticized for its labor practices. Partners (Starbucks’ term for employees) have raised concerns over issues such as low wages, inconsistent scheduling, and lack of job security. In response, the USW, which represents over 100,000 members in various industries, has been actively organizing Starbucks workers across North America.
Impact on the Affected Partners
For the seventeen partners at the Alder Crossing location, joining the USW means they will now have a collective voice in negotiations with Starbucks management. They will also have access to resources and support from the union, including legal assistance, training, and collective bargaining. This can lead to improved wages, benefits, and working conditions. In addition, the union can help ensure consistent scheduling and job security, allowing partners to better plan their lives and finances.
Impact on the Coffee Industry and the World
The unionization of Starbucks partners in Surrey, B.C., is a major development not just for Starbucks workers, but for the entire coffee industry and the labor movement as a whole. This unionization drive comes as part of a broader trend of workers standing up for their rights and demanding better working conditions. Other large corporations, such as Amazon and Microsoft, have also faced unionization efforts in recent years.
The success of the unionization drive at the Alder Crossing Starbucks location could inspire other Starbucks workers in Canada and the United States to follow suit. It could also encourage other coffee chains and corporations to address workers’ concerns and improve their labor practices to prevent similar unionization efforts. Ultimately, this could lead to better wages, benefits, and working conditions for coffee industry workers and, by extension, a more equitable and just global coffee supply chain.
Conclusion
The unionization of seventeen Starbucks partners at the Alder Crossing location in Surrey, British Columbia, marks a significant step forward in the fight for fair treatment and stronger workplace protections for coffee industry workers. This development not only impacts the affected partners but also sets a precedent for the entire industry and the labor movement as a whole. As workers continue to demand better working conditions and fair wages, it is crucial for corporations to listen and take action to address these concerns.
- Starbucks partners at Alder Crossing in Surrey, B.C., have joined the USW Local 2009.
- This unionization drive comes as part of a broader trend of workers standing up for their rights.
- The success of this unionization effort could inspire other Starbucks workers and lead to better wages, benefits, and working conditions for coffee industry workers.
- It also sets a precedent for the entire industry and the labor movement as a whole.
