Interested in forming a union at your workplace? We can help! Get in touch with us and one of our union organizers would be happy to meet with you to talk about the steps in forming a union.

You can either email us at: [email protected] or call us at 1-800-268-4064

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STEPS TO FORMING A UNION

What is a union? A union is a democratic organization of workers protected by rights in addition to employment standards. Learn more below!

No matter what an employer might tell you, it is your legal right to a join a union! It is against the law for employers to threaten or fire you for wanting to form a union. All your information will be kept strictly confidential! Employers will also not have access to the names of workers who signed a union card or who voted to form a union. If you feel your rights have been violated, let us know right away!

Click Here to sign a union card.

While the steps in forming a union in your workplace might differ a bit from province to province, here are the most common steps that are taken in order to successfully organize:

Step 1: Learn about your rights

Don't settle for poor working conditions - work doesn't have to be horrible! Contact us, learn about your rights and how provincial and/or federal laws apply to your workplace. We’ll also discuss the issues in your workplace, the benefits joining Workers United would bring and what starting a campaign will look like.

Step 2: Meet with us

We know what you're going through and understand what workers need! Many of our staff came from workplaces just like yours! Workers United organizers will meet with you and your co-workers to create a plan, which will include how to get others involved and how to get membership cards signed. 

Step 3: Submit your application

Once enough of workers have signed membership cards, we will submit an application to the Provincial Ministry of Labour to certify the union. A secret vote will be held by the Labour Board to certify the union.

Step 4: Establishing your Local

You are the union! A Local is a collective of unionized workers (members) from one or more workplaces. Once the union is certified in your workplace, members begin the process of establishing their Local. This involves adopting bylaws to establish how decisions are made, electing a bargaining committee (a team that will negotiate your Collective Bargaining Agreement with your employer) and union leaders (i.e. union stewards, and Health and Safety Representatives). Bargaining committee members and union leaders will receive training to help them understand their roles. One of our Union Representative will work with your Local throughout this process.

Step 5: Negotiating a Collective Agreement

A collective agreement gives workers power! It legally and fundamentally protects workers who join a union, in addition to employment standards legislation. A collective agreement outlines rules that were negotiated between workers and their employer to mutually agreed upon rules that an employer must follow. 

Once the Local is established, your Local Bargaining Committee and Union Representative will begin the process of negotiating your first collective agreement. You will receive information about how to get involved in the union (i.e. how to join our mailing list, who to contact for what, etc.) membership meetings and regular updates about your local and the broader union.