Why Join SEIU?

Every worker needs a Union. Call us for help and to find out more about your first steps. Here's some basic information.

Why should I join?

You only have to take a look at wages and benefits across Canada to know that joining a union is the best investment you'll ever make. All workers deserve a union. It's your legal right. Every year, thousands of people from all walks of life vote to join the union.

How do I join?

Every province has a law covering your right to join a union. But no matter where you live, the first step is to sign a union card. Your employer never sees the card. The union doesn't disclose who has signed. Besides you and the union, only labour board officials get to see these cards.

Despite the confidentiality of this process, we hope you'll speak up and sign up your co-workers. That's the best way for any organizing drive to succeed. In every province, a worker can sign a union membership card as long as they do not do it while at work.

Think about it. Who knows the issues and problems in your workplace better than you and your co-workers? No one does. That means you are in the best position to build support for the union.

The process of joining a union varies from province to province. The first step is to call SEIU Canada's Organizing Department. Here is the contact information: Phone: 1-800-337-3798 or (905) 695-1203.

Our organizers will make sure you have enough membership cards. We're there to help you through this process from beginning to end.

In Ontario

1. You will need a minimum of 40% of the staff in your workplace, not including management, to sign cards.

2. When a sufficient numbers of cards are signed, SEIU will make an application to the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) on behalf of the workers in your workplace. The OLRB will review the application and the cards and will order a vote within 5 days.

3. A secret-ballot vote is then conducted by the Ontario Labour Relations Board. Only you know how you voted.

1. A minimum of 40% of the staff in your workplace, excluding management, sign a membership card.

2. When signing the membership card the union must collect a $2.00 fee.

3. When a sufficient number of cards are signed, SEIU will apply to the Nova Scotia Labour Board. The Labour Board will review the application and cards and will order a vote usually within 5 days

In Manitoba

1. You need a minimum of 40% of the workers in the workplace, excluding management, signed to a membership card to get a vote.

2. If over 65% of the workers in the workplace sign membership cards, you can get an automatic certification.

3. When signing a membership card you must get a signed statement from the worker confirming that they have been informed of any initiation fees, membership dues and the manner in which they are calculated.

4. If it is determined a vote is necessary, it will be held in 7 days.

In Saskatchewan

1. You need a minimum of 45% of the workers in a workplace, excluding management, signed to a membership card for a vote.

2. A secret ballot vote is held by the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board.

3. The union is in place if more than 50% of the workers are in favour of forming a union.

In British Columbia

1. You need a minimum of 45% of the workers in the workplace, excluding management, signed to a membership card.

2. When a sufficient number of cards are signed, SEIU will make an application to the British Columbia Labour Relations Board. The board will review the application and cards and order a vote usually within 10 days.

3. If less than 55% of the workers in the proposed bargaining unit come out to vote the Board can order another vote.

Know your Rights

Although legislation varies from province to province, a worker's right to join a union is protected by law; an employer must respect employees' right to organize in the workplace

It is illegal for your employer to:

• Threaten to fire, layoff, discipline, harass or reassign workers because they support the union 
• Favour workers who are against forming a union with promotions, better job assignments, wages, hours, discipline or any other working conditions
• Discourage union activity by shutting down a worksite or taking away other benefits or privileges 
• Promise wage hikes, promotions, benefits, or special favours in exchange for opposition to the union

In all cases where a Labour Board conducts a vote, it is done by a secret ballot. Only you know how you voted.