Starbucks' Union, Nonunion Workers In B.C. Get Raise

VANCOUVER, B.C. - The starting wage at Starbucks Coffee shops in British Columbia will jump to $7.75 ($5.68 U.S.) an hour from $7 ($5.11 U.S.) as part of a first contract between the company and the Canadian Auto Workers.

Although the union only represents 105 workers at nine Vancouver coffee shops, the Seattle-based company said today the new wage schedule will apply to its more than 1,400 employees at 87 nonunion shops as well.

The increase is retroactive to July 1.

The CAW originally had demanded a base rate of $10 ($7.30 U.S.) an hour.

Under the contract, merit pay increases will be determined by performance and skills, not seniority alone, and there are minor changes in the existing benefits package.