Starbucks Partners at Surrey's Alder Crossing join United Steelworkers union

Core Points - Seventeen Starbucks partners at Alder Crossing in Surrey, B.C. have joined the United Steelworkers union (USW) Local 2009, aiming for fair treatment and stronger workplace protections [1] - The unionization is a response to new management practices that have negatively affected workplace morale, with partners expressing a lack of respect compared to previous management [2][3] - This movement reflects a broader trend among Starbucks workers in Canada seeking better wages, job security, and a voice in workplace decisions [3] Union Representation - The USW has welcomed the Alder Crossing partners, emphasizing the importance of fair treatment and the ability to negotiate improved working conditions [4] - The B.C. Labour Relations Board has approved the USW Local 2009's application to vary its certification, allowing the Alder Crossing bargaining unit to join others in Surrey, Langley, and Power River [4] - The USW represents workers at multiple Starbucks locations across British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, indicating a growing union presence in the region [5] Union Background - The United Steelworkers union is the largest private-sector union in North America, representing 850,000 members across Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean [6] - The USW has a strong track record in improving workplace conditions, negotiating better wages, benefits, and pensions for its members [7]