Burgerville Workers Union reports that the Vancouver-based fast food chain has threatened to discipline workers for wearing union-made “Black Lives Matter” and “Justice for George Floyd” buttons.
This is not the first time Burgerville has threatened to discipline workers for wearing buttons. In September 2018, the union won back pay for 10 workers sent home after wearing “Black Lives Matter” and other political buttons. Shortly after, Burgerville announced a new anti-button policy without consulting the union. The policy prohibits employees from wearing any buttons not produced by Burgerville or “related to terms and conditions of employment.”
Burgerville backtracked after online backlash, and said it would produce its own Black Lives Matter accessories for workers to wear if they choose—buttons, T-shirts, and stickers that align with its uniform standards.
