Skip to Content
ON AIR NOW9:00 AM - 3:00 PMLea Miller
listen live
Home

Local News Now

Workers at Kamloops Sephora first in North America to unionize, UFCW says

Victor Kaisar
Sep 8, 2022 | 5:40 AM


Workers at Kamloops Sephora first in North America to unionize, UFCW says

Employees at the Sephora store in Kamloops have officially joined the United Food & Commercial Workers Union Local 1518.

President Kim Novak says the BC Labour Relations Board has certified an application made earlier this month, adding this is the first Sephora store in North America to unionize.

“This is a huge win for everyone and we couldn’t be more proud of our newest members,” she said. “It goes to show that no matter what the job, workers need a voice, and we’re so excited for the opportunity to represent the hardworking staff at Sephora.”

In April, B.C. changed labour laws with regards to how unions in the province would be certified.

If at least 55 per cent of employees in a workplace sign union cards, a union will be certified with no further vote required. If between 45 per cent and 55 per cent of employees sign union cards, the Labour Relations Board may order a vote among staff.

Wage and benefit improvements are the top priorities for workers at the cosmetics store, with Novak saying talks on a first contract for the 30 or so full and part time staff at the store are expected to start soon.

The employees, she says, are “standing together to win wage and benefit improvements so they can nurture their health while enjoying flexible schedules.”

“The workers at Sephora are ready to build an even stronger workplace with great jobs that pay the bills and provide them work-life balance,” added Novak. “We look forward to working with them to make it happen.”

The Kamloops Sephora store opened inside Aberdeen Mall in August 2018, moving into the second-floor space that was vacated by clothing retailer Le Chateau.

UFCW 1518 represents over 26,000 British Columbians, while according to Sephora’s website, it has more than 2,500 stores in 32 countries.