Nearly 90 employees at Craig’s Cookies in Toronto have chosen to form a union as the Canadian chain expands its presence nationwide. The decision to unionize, which came after a two-week organizing effort starting in early December, was supported by over 85 workers across five locations in Toronto, including East York, Church-Wellesley, Leslieville, Parkdale, and Union Station.
According to Daniel Janvier from Unite HERE Local 75, a key factor motivating the employees to unionize was the removal of paid breaks. Additionally, concerns were raised about stagnant wages compared to industry standards and inflation. Janvier emphasized the workers’ vital role in the company’s success and growth, stating that their efforts have been instrumental in Craig’s Cookies’ expansion within the city and across the country.
In response to the unionization vote, a spokesperson for Craig’s Cookies expressed respect for the workers’ decision and affirmed the company’s commitment to competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and fair treatment for its team members. Craig’s Cookies, founded by Craig Pike in 2013 as a home baking business, has seen significant growth, with 22 shops now operating nationwide and plans for further expansion, including a new location in Halifax next year.
The decision to unionize multiple shops under one collective agreement, despite Craig’s Cookies operating partly under a franchise model, was viewed as a practical step by experts. Rafael Gomez from the University of Toronto highlighted the benefits of a collective agreement for workers in a growing business that may lack a sophisticated HR system. Despite declining unionization rates in Canada, particularly in the private sector, the unionization of Craig’s Cookies employees is considered noteworthy within the food services industry.