Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a union?

A: A union is an organization of workers, united to have a collective voice, to win improvements and have protections at the workplace.


Q: What can a union do for me?

A: A union is an organization of workers that addresses issues important to us as employees.  When we form this professional organization we will be able to prioritize key issues that we want addressed and have a voice in the solutions to those issues.


Q: Can I get fired for joining a union?

A: It is illegal for employers to fire or discriminate against any worker who supports the union. The most effective way to protect ourselves is by being vocal and making our support visible. If we hide our support no one can vouch for it. Without the protection of a collective agreement, management can fire any of us arbitrarily; when we form our union they will not be able to unilaterally decide our fate.


Q: Management says forming a union will not help us and that we won't achieve anything. Is this true?

A: If this were true, then why do they try so hard to convince employees not to unite?  The fact is they know that with a union they will have to respect us and address our concerns.


Q: I have heard that if we unionize we will no longer be able to talk directly with our supervisors. Is this true?

A: As union members we are always able to talk and try to solve problems with our supervisors.  The difference is that in a non-union workplace the boss never has the final say.  In a unionized workplace, if we disagree with management, we can file a grievance and have a fair hearing on the issue.


Q: Will we lose what we already have?

A: No one builds unions to take a step backwards. United we will be able to win improvements.


Q: Shouldn't we give management a chance to make improvements?

A: Management has had plenty of time to make improvements and resolve our issues, but they usually only start taking action when employees like us begin to unite to form a union. That's our collective power at work! Working Conditions can can only be protected by a collective agreement.  If we don't form a union, any gains we make today can easily be lost tomorrow because there is no mechanism to enforce them. Management will have plenty of chances to make improvements at the bargaining table.


Q: I work very hard. Won't the union just protect lazy workers?

A: No one builds a union to protect lazy employees. We build a union to win improvements through our collective strength. Forming a union helps us get rid of favouritism at the workplace. Are there lazy workers now? Who's protecting them?


Q: How much are union dues?

A:Dues are the way we pool our resources in order to win improvements to our working conditions, benefits and pay. Each Local has a formula to determine how much dues are collected from each member. Dues are usually deducted from your pay check so you don't have to worry about arrears and can remain a member in good standing. We don't contribute any union dues until a majority of us approve a first contract which we agree is worth paying dues for. Dues are also tax-deductable.