How to Join a Union in British Columbia
Step 1: Contact UFCW Canada
Contact UFCW Canada or one of our local unions. Ask to speak with an organizer. He or she is a specialist in Canadian labour law and will answer all your questions. All contacts with UFCW Canada are confidential. No obligation.
Step 2: Sign UFCW Canada Membership Cards
With the guidance of an organizer, you and your co-workers sign UFCW Canada membership cards. Your employer will never see these cards.
When at least 55% of employees in the proposed bargaining unit have signed a union card, the BC Labour Relations Board may certify the union.ORWhen 45% or more and less than 55% of employees in the proposed bargaining unit have signed valid cards, the BC Labour Relations Board may order a representation vote.Step 3: Vote for UFCW Canada
The Labour Board can hold a secret ballot vote of all the employees. If a majority votes YES to UFCW Canada, the BC Labour Relations Board will likely certify UFCW Canada as your legal bargaining agent.
Step 4: Now that you have a Union.
Your employer and UFCW Canada representatives (including workers from your bargaining unit) can sit down to negotiate a collective agreement. This agreement - the union contract - sets out the wages, benefits, working conditions, job security and other rights of the workers.
UFCW Canada has experienced, professional negotiators who know your industry and what is realistic. We've been representing Canadian workers for over 100 years.
You and your co-workers have the final say on any collective agreement, once again, through a secret ballot vote. UFCW Canada is a democratic union.
UFCW Canada Will Protect Your Rights Under B.C. Labour Law
Most employers would rather not have their employees represented by a union. But the choice is not theirs. Under British Columbia labour law, your employer cannot interfere with your decision to join a union. Employers can talk about the union generally but are forbidden from making any promises or threats, or to do anything that might prevent employees from making a free decision.
If your employer breaks the law, UFCW Canada can take legal steps to enforce your rights.
What are you waiting for?
If you think you need a union, you probably do. UFCW Canada is one of Canada's largest and most respected unions. A better life for you and your co-workers is just a phone call or email away. Contact us today.
