Casino Workers Update
Joining a union
Who organizes the union?
The employees form their own union. Usually a small group of workers come together within their workplace, who then inform and sign up their co-workers. These workers then receive direction and assistance from a UNIFOR organizer.
To get a union into your workplace, you need to have at least 40% of workers sign union membership cards. Then you can apply to the Ontario Labour Relations Board. Usually, the Board sets up a voting process. You need to get more than 50% of the votes in favour of the union.
How will I benefit from Joining?
All employees benefit when they belong to a union. Workers join unions for access to fairness and justice! Joining a union simply means that you and your colleagues have a say because you negotiate important employment conditions together.
Furthermore, collective bargaining gives workers a say in the terms of their employment, the security of knowing that there are specific processes for handling work-related grievances, and a path to solving problems.
Without a union and a collective agreement, you give management the sole discretion in determining what is fair and just, concerning all of your conditions of employment and without any means to challenge any decision that management makes.
Better Pay & Benefits
Government statistics show unionized workers make on average more than non-unionized workers in the same industries. Women with unions earned more too and got paid more fairly. Young workers earned more from jobs covered by a collective agreement as well.
Job Security
You will never be unjustly fired or disciplined. The Union will make sure dismissals are for just cause, or, for real reasons and not because a worker can’t get along with their supervisor.
Strong Collective Agreements
In addition to better benefits and wages, a collective agreement also guarantees you hours of work, seniority rights, protection from harassment and discrimination, safe working conditions and scheduled break times.
Grievance Procedures
Your rights as set out in your collective agreement are protected. The violation of these rights will lead to the filing of a grievance. You must inform your Steward and/or Union Representative if your rights have been violated - whether it is with regard to pay, benefits, harassment or any other rights’ violation. Grievance procedures are timely and if unresolved between the employer and Union, may proceed to arbitration, based on their merits.
Health and Welfare
Unions have always championed worker safety by investing in programs to educate workers about on-the-job hazards and working with employers to reduce worker injuries and the time lost due to injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you lose anything when you join the union?
No. Once a union applies for a certification vote, the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) requires that all terms and conditions of employment are protected.
Can my employer take any action against me for joining a union?
No. The decision to join a union is up to the individual without any influence, threats, or coercion from management.
Does the employer find out who supported the union?
No. The Ontario Labour Relations Act guarantees the secrecy of all membership evidence.
What happens if an employer violates workers’ rights during a campaign?
Notify the union, immediately. The union will file an “Unfair Labour practice Complaint”, with the OLRB.
Please follow the Link to sign a card today:
Thank you for your support! If you have any questions please contact
Samia Hashi
416-540-3212
Justin Minello
905-464-7275