What is a union card?
A union card is evidence required by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) that there is support for forming a union in your workplace. It is confidential and the employer never knows who signed. But without cards for at least 35 percent of non-management workers, there cannot be a vote on forming a union. If more than 50 percent of workers sign membership cards, the CIRB can also certify the union without holding a vote.
How does CUPE work?
CUPE is a democracy. At the local level, you elect your leaders, (the co-workers who will represent you at the bargaining table), vote on proposals going to the table and any agreement made there, and even set the local dues rate. You also elect people to represent you at the National Convention, where decisions are made democratically that affect all members. But everything affecting your workplace is made by you and the members of your local.
Your local is supported by an experienced National Staff Representative and a host of specialist services.
What are dues?
Dues allow you and your union to negotiate and defend your rights and create conditions that will allow for a better workplace. In CUPE, there are two portions. National dues are 0.85 percent of base wages and provide your National Staff Representative and specialist services, including legal, research, communications, health & safety, WSIB, pay equity and more.
The local portion of your dues provides such things as time for your locally elected representatives to work on your behalf, to take important issues to arbitration and cover the cost of local meetings. All dues are tax-deductible.
What is a collective agreement?
It is an agreement between the employer and workers on the terms and conditions of work. It is a set of rules clearly laid out that everyone must follow, including your boss. Your CUPE collective agreement does more than just guarantee wages and benefits. It provides a series of protections and rights that non-union workers do not have.
Your collective agreement also means you don’t have to negotiate everything on your own. Wages, benefits, and working conditions are typically much lower in non-union workplaces, and not everyone can safely push for improvements from their employer all on their own. Together you have greater bargaining power and better protection.
What new rights do I get?
Many rights will be negotiated in your collective agreement. But some come immediately after a successful vote, and others are guaranteed to be in your collective agreement. Right now, your employer can dismiss you without cause. After you join a union, this practice will stop. They also will not be able to arbitrarily change your terms and conditions of work. You are also guaranteed a fair grievance policy by law.
For more information
Contact Jordan Christenson at 438-823-7643 or jchristenson@cupe.ca