Valleyview A&W (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

NEW UNION MEMBERS

Valleyview A&W votes to unionize; first unionized A&W location in Canada

Nov 20, 2023 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops A&W in Valleyview has voted to become the first unionized home of the burger family in Canada. The workers are now part of the Local 993 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).

More than 20 workers are employed at the fast-food restaurant, but not all of them are currently represented by the union due to staff turnover during the rollout. Union organizer Brian Andrews said one worker sought them out after have concerns with the work environment.

“The main reason is they want to be unionized if because they were having issues with their management,” said Andrews. “They had issues and management just ignored, they just ignore everything. With us, if they have an issue, we can go talk to management on their behalf while they just continue to work.”

Now that the workers are under the union, the union will begin to work on creating the first collectively bargained agreement.

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While the majority of the union brothers and sisters are electrical workers, the brotherhood has been venturing out into new fields in recent years. Andrews noted this could be a start for a number of like businesses to see workers consider a union.

“In this day and age, minimum wage isn’t livable wage. If more people want to unionize and get more of a voice, they should. If they are working in a place and management treats them well and they are paid well, okay, you don’t need a union. But, if you see a need to join a union, do it,” said Andrews.

In an emailed response to a request for comment, ownership stated that they will respect the union process.

“We care very much about our employees and strive for a strong culture of mutual respect. In every instance we try to do what’s right, create open lines of communication and build a safe and welcoming work environment. This is a new situation for us, but we will respect the union process,” reads the email.