Unifor the Union for Plasman
UNIFOR: The Union for manufacturing workers
It’s time for Plasman Plant 1 to join the union. Over the past couple of weeks, we have been receiving a high number of calls from Team Members at Plasman Plant 1. We are hearing the frustration in your voices as people share they are feeling targeted more and more every day. Health and Safety is being ignored and corners are being cut, as your employer looks to offset the cost associated with the Covid-19 Pandemic by putting it on the backs of workers. A clear example of this is the recent cut to your R.R.S.P from the employer when the pandemic hit with no clear idea of when it will be reinstated. This is the difference between having a union and going it on your own. In Unifor workplaces this kind of decision doesn't blindside you because you are protected by a legally binding collective agreement.
We are hearing how disrespected you have been feeling and want you to know that you have an option. By signing a card to join Unifor today you are taking the first step to become a union member with a voice in your workplace at Plasman.
Why Unifor?
Unifor is the largest private-sector union in Canada; we represent 315,000 workers right across the country in every sector of the economy including close to 90,000 Unifor members working in the manufacturing sector, representing about one-third of the union’s membership. Having that level of representation across the sector gives us tremendous bargaining strength and unparalleled insight into the sector as a whole.
We believe that having strong collective agreements will help raise the standards for workers in workplaces like Plasman and our goal is to make sure that workers are compensated and respected for the critical work that they do every day.
With a Union, workers gain the right to collectively negotiate a legally binding collective agreement that builds improvements to their working conditions, such as scheduling, wages, benefits, language to eliminate favouritism, job posting, hours of work, and most importantly, a grievance procedure giving you the LEGAL RIGHT to challenge unfair or unjust company policies.
Your rights
You have the right to form a union free of intimidation or undue influence. We know in former campaigns at Plasman, management has taken extreme efforts to try to convince workers they do not need a union. This is all to avoid your workplace from being unionized where you will have a meaningful say in your working conditions.
Part of Unifor’s strength lies in its team of expert staff across the country that provides services and support to Locals and their members. To service all the diverse needs of Unifor members, the union employs professional staff all across the country.
Unifor is a worker-run union
Every Unifor member has an equal right to say what they think the union ought to be doing, to debate issues, to elect representatives, to run in an election, and to vote on key decisions. Not only do you have the support of the national office but you also have your local union to assist you.
As a Unifor member, you vote for:
Your steward/committeeperson: they are the union’s front line and you can go to them with questions and issues. We provide them with all the training and support needed.
Your bargaining committee: they represent you in negotiations with management on wages and working conditions.
Your elected local officers: President, Financial Secretary, Recording secretary, Unit chairperson- carry out the responsibility and priorities of the local union.
Your elected Delegates: attend regional and national councils where the union’s priorities, principles, activities, and finances are debated and voted on and where we discuss industry changes, government policies, and bargaining strategies.
With a union, you have more rights on the job, are better protected against employer favoritism and discrimination, and can negotiate collectively to keep what you have and improve upon working conditions and benefits.
If you know of any co-workers who would also like to sign a card to show support to join the union, please feel free to send them this email or share the link below so they can sign a card too. We are always available to talk to anyone who has questions.
Feel free to share this link with anyone who would like to sign a card- just copy and paste- super easy.
https://join.unifor.org/plasmancard
We look forward to sharing more information about Unifor and the campaign at Plasman Plant 1. We also look forward to meeting each of you in person as soon as it's safe to do so, for now, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to one of the two organizers listed below by text, phone, or email.
Your Organizing Team,
John Biekx
519-322-9564
Tracey Ramsey
519-996-8946
