Frequently Asked Questions

Your local union relies on engaged members to help strengthen union democracy and represent the interests of their co-workers. Whether you want to volunteer occasionally or take on a more active role, there are many ways to get involved.

You can attend general meetings, run for an elected position, become a shop steward, a social delegate, or a health and safety representative, participate in mobilization activities, or join one of your local union’s committees, depending on the opportunities available.

Every contribution, big or small, helps strengthen your union and improve working conditions for all members.

Interested in getting involved?

Contact your union representative. We can tell you about the opportunities available in your workplace and help you get started.

Each year, the 800 offers a training program for elected officers, union activists, and all members who want to expand their knowledge and skills.

Training sessions cover a wide range of topics, including labour rights, union representation, occupational health and safety, collective bargaining, leadership, and much more.

You can view the training calendar or contact your union representative to learn about upcoming training sessions and how to register.

A financial report provides members with a clear overview of their local union’s revenues and expenses.

It is generally prepared by the officer responsible for the local union’s finances in accordance with the 800’s Constitution and Bylaws. Supporting documents must be retained, and expenses must be authorized in accordance with established procedures. A copy must be submitted annually to your unit’s union representative, in accordance with the union’s bylaws.

The financial report is then presented to the members at a general meeting to ensure the transparent management of the local union’s funds.

Occupational health and safety is a shared responsibility between workers, employers, and their representatives. Together, they work to prevent workplace accidents, occupational diseases, and hazardous situations.

In many workplaces, this collaboration takes place through a Health and Safety Committee. Made up of employer and worker representatives, the committee identifies workplace hazards, makes recommendations, contributes to the development of prevention measures, and helps improve occupational health and safety practices.

Every member can help make their workplace safer by reporting hazards, participating in prevention activities, and working with their health and safety representatives.

Would you like to get involved in occupational health and safety? Contact your union representative to learn more about your workplace’s Health and Safety Committee or the different ways you can contribute to prevention efforts.

Collective bargaining usually begins with a consultation of the members to identify the priorities for renewing the collective agreement.

The bargaining committee, made up of elected members and a union advisor, then meets with the employer to present the members’ proposals, discuss the proposals of both parties, and work toward reaching an agreement. Depending on the issues involved, several bargaining sessions may be required, and various mobilization activities may take place throughout the process.

Once a tentative agreement has been reached, it is presented to the members, who vote on whether to accept it.

Would you like to learn more about the collective bargaining process? Explore our union training program to discover the courses offered on collective bargaining.

Social delegates provide confidential support to members who are experiencing personal difficulties that may affect their well-being or their work. They help connect members with appropriate resources, provide initial support, and promote well-being in the workplace. They do not act as professional counsellors or therapists. Rather, they are trained peer resources who listen, offer guidance, and help direct colleagues to the support services they may need.

Would you like to speak with a social delegate or learn more about this role? Contact us. We can connect you with a social delegate or explain how you can get involved and become a social delegate yourself.

General meetings are governed by the 800’s Constitution and Bylaws to ensure discussions are conducted in a respectful, democratic, and fair manner.

Members in attendance may propose resolutions, participate in debates, and vote when decisions are required. The chair of the meeting is responsible for ensuring that the rules of procedure are followed and that discussions proceed in an orderly manner.

The notice requirements, quorum, voting procedures, and other meeting rules are set out in the union’s Constitution and Bylaws.

The general meeting is the primary decision-making body of your local union.

It gives members the opportunity to receive updates on union activities, discuss issues affecting their workplace, ask questions, and vote on matters when decisions are required.

It’s also an opportunity to elect members to various positions, adopt the local union’s priorities, review its financial report and actively participate in the democratic life of the union.

The structure of a local union is defined by the 800’s Constitution and Bylaws. It generally includes a President, an Executive Committee, shop stewards, and other elected positions based on the needs of the local union.

Each elected officer has specific responsibilities to represent members, share information, and help ensure the effective operation of the local union.

Depending on the size of the workplace and its particular needs, some positions and responsibilities may vary.

A local union brings together the members represented by the 800 in the same workplace. It is at this level that the day-to-day activities of the union are organized.

Each local union elects members to represent it, holds general meetings, discusses issues specific to its workplace, and makes decisions that affect its members.

The local union is the first place where members can ask questions, raise concerns, and contribute to improving their working conditions.