July 4,2025
RED FM News Desk
Baristas at the Starbucks in Kensington Square, Burnaby, have become the latest group to join the rising wave of unionization among Canadian Starbucks employees. They are now members of the United Steelworkers union (USW), which is leading a national effort to promote fairness, respect, and a meaningful voice for workers on the job.
These baristas (a person whose job involves preparing and serving different types of coffee) chose to unionize amid widespread concerns over job security, understaffing, and inconsistent enforcement of workplace policies. Many were especially troubled by recent terminations across Canada tied to dress code violations, which sparked outrage and motivated further organizing.
“We want to be our true selves at work without fear of being punished or fired just for showing up as who we are,” said one Kensington Square barista. “We’re tired of being silenced and told how to present ourselves. That goes against what Starbucks claims to stand for—and we’re speaking up. Starbucks must do better.”
Another worker added, “If you feel undervalued, unstable, or ignored in your workplace, you’re not alone. For us, unionizing was about improving staffing, securing our jobs, and having a real voice in the policies that affect us every day.”
The USW is encouraging workers at other Starbucks locations to consider unionizing, emphasizing that each new group strengthens the collective effort to win fair treatment, safer work environments, and respect on the job.
“Baristas at Kensington Square are part of a growing movement demanding better conditions,” said Scott Lunny, USW Director for Western Canada. “They’ve shown remarkable courage and solidarity in standing up for their rights, and we’re proud to support them as they build workplace power. Every new store that organizes strengthens the voice of all Starbucks workers nationwide.”
To learn more about unionizing a Starbucks location or how to get involved, visit betterworknow.ca/starbucks
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