In February of 2023, workers at Grounds for Coffee demonstrated a powerful show of solidarity with their colleagues by joining forces across two locations and organizing with UFCW 1518.
Since then, they have been hard at work fighting for fairness at the bargaining table, and after months of hard work and advocacy, these workers have secured a groundbreaking win by ratifying a strong first collective agreement. This agreement solidifies many benefits for the hardworking café workers across both locations.
Key highlights from the newly ratified contract include:
Wage increases that will provide all employees with a minimum $0.50 increase
Wage progression tied to hours worked for fair compensation
Minimum wage spread – a wage scale that accounts for minimum wage increases
Health and Welfare Plan now accessible to those working average of thirty (30) hours a week with six months or more of service
Advanced Schedules, allowing workers to plan ahead
Joint Labour Management Meetings – a new avenue to promote a more harmonious relationship between management and employees
Shop Stewards who will represent and defend the interests of their fellow employees
Grounds for Coffee workers took their first step towards a more and equitable workplace a year ago, laying the foundation for positive change. Today, they are seeing the fruits of their labour, and the benefits of union membership.
This collective win is a testament to Grounds for Coffee workers’ solidarity for one another, and their dedication towards building a better workplace.
UFCW 1518 comprises tens of thousands of workers in BC’s retail sector. The Grounds for Coffee, Matchstick, Gallagher’s Coffee Bar & Café, and Cartems Donuts staff are fighting to improve morale and working conditions in BC’s cafés. If you are a café worker and would like to join a union, check out ufcw1518.com/join.