The Union for Restaurant Workers

UFCW Canada: The Union for Restaurant Workers

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UFCW Canada: The Union for Restaurant Workers

UFCW champions the rights of restaurant employees at well-known eateries such as Swiss Chalet, St-Hubert, The Keg, Bâton Rouge, Plaza Premium Lounge, Tim Hortons, Jollibee, and Wendy’s, as well as smaller, more local establishments, in multiple provinces.

Across the restaurant sector, UFCW Canada members work in several different capacities, which include:

  • Host / Hostess
  • Server / Waiter / Waitress
  • Bartender
  • Drive-Thru Cashier / Front End or Takeout Cashier
  • Cook
  • Food Preparation
  • Dishwasher
  • Supervisor

Facts About the Restaurant Industry in Canada

Sales in Canada’s restaurant industry amount to 85 billion dollars annually. Quick service restaurants are the most profitable type of restaurant in terms of sales per seat, with average sales of $12,603 per seat, while fine dining restaurants are the second most profitable format in this area, averaging $12,373 per seat.

Over 1.2 million Canadians work in the restaurant and food service sector, making it one of the most important industries in Canada.

UFCW takes pride in representing hard-working restaurant members who provide delicious meals, excellent service, and memorable dining experiences to millions of Canadians every year.

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Why Restaurant Workers Choose UFCW Canada

With thousands of members working at dine-in, airport, and fast-food restaurants, and a growing number of cafes, UFCW Canada is the union for restaurant workers. Our strong and nationwide presence in the Canadian restaurant industry makes us the #1 choice for restaurant workers seeking union membership.

Benefits of Joining UFCW Canada: Restaurant Workers

Restaurant workers choose UFCW Canada as their union because we negotiate contracts that bring tangible improvements to the workplace, and help members build a better life. Our union also provides excellent representation to restaurant workers, making sure that members are treated with dignity and respect on the job and have access to a healthy and safe work environment.

Examples of issues that we fight for in the restaurant industry include: paid vacation and breaks, section rotation for servers at dine-in restaurants, fair job posting language, ensuring that members keep any tips they have earned, and protection against discrimination and harassment from management.

As well, UFCW Canada makes sure that you receive all workplace benefits that you are entitled to. For example, if you are a server and your boss tries to pay you less because you earn tips, our union will fight to ensure that you receive the wages you are entitled to under the law, in addition to any tips you have earned.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our union has successfully negotiated pandemic pay for restaurant members and has compelled employers to implement enhanced infection controls, like mask wearing, physical distancing, and frequent cleaning and sanitization. UFCW Canada has also pushed for COVID-19 infection to be covered by workers’ compensation and insurance in various provinces.

Another reason why restaurant workers choose UFCW is because our union provides opportunities for skills development and career advancement through our ground-breaking online education program, webCampus. Specifically, our pre-apprenticeship program for Cook can help you achieve trade certification in this service trade and accreditation as a food professional. To learn more about the program, visit UFCW Canada’s Cook pre-apprenticeship program webpage.
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