A group of Starbucks employees in downtown Hamilton has recently formed a union to address issues like customer harassment and unclear pay scales, according to the United Steelworkers union (USW).
Workers at the Starbucks near Gore Park contacted USW for support and participated in a vote overseen by the Ontario Ministry of Labour in early September, local USW coordinator John Catto told CBC Hamilton.
This marks at least the sixth Starbucks location in Ontario to organize with USW, Catto mentioned on Wednesday. The union also represents workers at Starbucks locations in Western Canada.
In May 2025, USW announced that shops in Ajax, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Toronto had successfully negotiated their initial collective agreements.
“We felt that without [a union] we didn’t really have a voice,” one Hamilton worker shared during an interview on Thursday.
CBC is not disclosing their name due to concerns that speaking out might affect their job security.
The worker, who has been a barista at the 112 King St. E. location for several years, explained that they sought out USW after hearing about another store’s successful unionization in Kitchener. They believed it would be the best way to address workplace issues overlooked by management.
According to USW’s news release, workers highlighted concerns including:
Health and safety issues related to customer harassment. Unclear attendance policies that could lead to termination. Lack of recognition for seniority and limited chances for long-time employees. Corporate decisions focused on raising prices and increasing workload affecting staff. A need for a transparent wage structure and benefits that remain stable even when Starbucks changes its business model.
Company success ‘starts and ends’ with workers
CBC Hamilton reached out to Starbucks for comment regarding these employee concerns.
In an email statement Tuesday, spokesperson Mary Franssen stated that the company’s success “starts and ends” with its employees. In July, they reported $9.3 billion in revenue for the 13-week period ending June 28, 2026.
“We respect the right of all partners to make their own decisions regarding unions, whether they favour or oppose representation, and will continue to work together to make Starbucks the best job in retail.”
Franssen did not directly address any specific issues mentioned in the union’s news release.
In August, Starbucks Workers United-representing over 12,000 baristas across the U. S.-called for a public boycott of stores until workers demanding better wages and working conditions receive a contract.
The newly organized workers haven’t set dates yet for negotiating their collective agreement, Catto stated.
He hopes to meet with them soon to initiate this process.
USW plans to connect with other unionized Starbucks locations for insights into their contract negotiations as well, Catto added.
The Hamilton barista remarked it’s been awkward between employees and managers since organizing took place but they’re optimistic that a collective agreement can enhance conditions not just there but at other locations too.“I see this as being able to be a beacon of hope for other stores,” they said.Their coworkers have received congratulations from customers about their new union status as well.
A Unionized Shop in B. C. Closed Three Years Ago
In 2023, Starbucks shut down its only unionized shop located in Vancouver.The USW filed a complaint with the B. C. Labour Relations Board following this closure. In February 2025, while finding legitimate reasons behind closing down operations at that site were present; they ruled against Starbucks concerning threats made towards an employee supporting unions.Catto noted no employees have lost jobs due solely because of forming unions within Ontario’s Starbucks locations thus far.
Recently similar workplaces across Hamilton such as Coven Market & café Democracy witnessed successful unions forming too!.. However Democracy closed last December raising questions about timing around such closures.
The Hamilton barista advised any curious workers about organizing should reach out directly towards unions asking more details regarding processes involved.
Catto agreed emphatically stating “I’ve been a unionized worker for roughly thirty years.” He added “The dues I pay truly reflect worth every single penny spent! If anyone feels mistreated or disrespected then maybe joining up alongside others through labor organization makes sense!”
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