Frequently Asked Questions about joining Unifor

Who organizes the union?

Employees form their own union. Usually, a committee within the workplace informs and signs up co-workers. The committee receives direction and assistance from a Unifor organizer.

What are the legal requirements for certification?

The law requires that at least 40% of the affected employees sign a union membership card.

The union then applies to the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) for a certification vote. The OLRB would conduct a secret ballot vote within five days of the application. 

At the end of the voting time, the Officer from the OLRB in charge of the vote counts the ballots, and representatives from the union and management are present. A simple majority of the ballots cast determines the final outcome.

How will we benefit from joining Unifor?

Workers join unions for access to fairness and justice. Contract bargaining ensures that all workers regularly have a say in wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Furthermore, a contract gives unionized workers a legal right to grieve improper pay rates, health and safety issues, the application of negotiated benefits, unjust treatment or discipline, etc. This process ensures that problems, issues, and concerns will not be sidestepped but rather mandated to be dealt with within very specific time limits.

At work, unionized workers have the benefit of representation from elected and trained workplace Stewards who receive direction and assistance from the Unifor National Representative assigned to your workplace.

Unionized Unifor workers also have access to the union's complete resources and the various departments that assist workers.

They include the Services, Legal, Communications, Skilled Trades, Human Rights, Health and Safety, Education, Research, Pension and Benefits, Workers’ Compensation, International Affairs, Organizing, Women’s, Work Organization and Training, Recreation, Political Action and Membership Development, Social Justice, and Retired Workers.

They provide specific expertise and knowledge when required, and this service is available to all Unifor members.

Without a union and a collective agreement, you give management the sole discretion in determining what is fair and concerning all of your conditions of employment and without any means to challenge any decision that management makes.

Can management staff belong to the union?

No. The law prohibits people who exercise managerial functions from belonging or interfering with the formation of the union.

What is the function of the union in our workplace?

The employees are the union in the workplace. Union Stewards and other positions are elected to represent their co-workers with management and ensure that the company does not violate the contract. A Unifor National Representative also assists in the settlement of grievances.

What is a collective agreement?

A collective agreement or contract is a legal agreement between a union and an employer covering wages, hours of work, working conditions, benefits, the rights of workers and the union, and a procedure for settling workplace disputes.

Who negotiates the contract?

After a successful organizing campaign, the affected employees will meet to put forward proposals for the contract and elect their own bargaining committee. The committee and a Unifor National Representative would then proceed to meet with the employer to obtain a satisfactory agreement as mandated by their fellow co-workers.

Unifor Representatives direct and lend expertise at all stages of negotiations with full input from the elected bargaining committee at all levels.

What are union Constitutions & By-Laws?

They are the rules and regulations that govern the union, its elected and appointed officers, its revenue, and the welfare of the membership. The Constitution and By-Laws are available by contacting us.

Do you lose anything when you join the union?

No. Once a union applies for a certification vote, the OLRB requires that all terms and conditions of employment are protected and cannot be changed without the union’s consent. Section 86 of the OLRA. That means that if the union gets a Yes vote, bargaining would start from your current conditions and move up.

Can I help my co-workers in joining the union?

Yes. Organizing and participating in a union are legal activities and rights protected under the Ontario Labour Relations Act (OLRA).

Can my employer take any action against me for joining a union?

No. The decision to join is solely up to the individual, without any undue influence, threats or coercion from management. Every person is free to join a union of their own choice. Section 5 of the OLRA.

Does the employer ever find out who supported the union?

No. The OLRA guarantees the secrecy of all membership evidence. Employers never find out and never get to see the membership cards. Section 119 of the OLRA.

What happens if an employer violates workers’ rights during an organizing drive?

Notify the union immediately. The union can file an “Unfair Labour Practice Complaint” with the OLRB, which, in turn, has the authority to order any remedy that it feels is appropriate and that addresses any violation of the OLRA, Sections 70, 72, and 96.

Scan or CLICK to Sign your Unifor membership Card

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Unifor representatives.

In solidarity,

Billy O’Neill
Unifor National Representative Organizing
416.605.1443
[email protected]