Frequently Asked Questions

If the majority of employees vote against unionizing, the union will not be certified and the organizing campaign will come to an end. If employees wish to begin another union organizing campaign in the future, certain conditions set out in the Labour Code must be met. To learn more, contact our team at 1 800 361-2486, extension 410.

The first collective agreement is negotiated by a bargaining committee made up of employee representatives, with the support of UES800 union representatives. Members remain at the heart of the process. They are consulted to identify bargaining priorities and vote on the tentative agreement before it is ratified. Have questions? Call us at 1 800 361-2486, extension 410.

Once the union is certified, it officially becomes the representative of the employees in your workplace. The next step is to prepare for and negotiate a first collective agreement with the employer. Throughout the process, members are kept informed of the progress of negotiations and have the opportunity to vote on the proposed agreement. Would you like to learn more? Contact us at 1 800 361-2486, extension 410.

Once an application for union certification has been filed, the Labour Code generally prevents an employer from changing the working conditions of the employees in the proposed bargaining unit unless the requirements set out by law are met. This protection is intended to preserve existing working conditions while the unionization process is underway. Wondering how this rule applies to your workplace? Call us at 1 800 361-2486, extension 410.

The Labour Code protects every employee’s right to join a union. If you are dismissed, suspended or subjected to disciplinary action because you are taking part in a union organizing campaign or encouraging your co-workers to join a union, the law provides remedies. In these situations, it is generally up to the employer to demonstrate that its decision was based on another just and sufficient cause. If you believe you have been the victim of reprisals, contact our team as soon as possible at 1 800 361-2486, extension 410. We will explain your rights and guide you through the appropriate next steps.

No. The Labour Code recognizes every employee’s right to join a union. Your employer cannot prevent you from exercising this right or take reprisals against you because you want to get information or begin the unionization process. If you’re facing a situation that concerns you, our team can explain your rights and guide you through every step of the process. Let’s talk it through. Call us at 1 800 361-2486, extension 410.

There is no single timeline. The length of a union organizing campaign depends on several factors, including the size of the workplace, the participation of the employees and the steps required by law. During your first conversation with our team, we’ll explain the process and give you a better idea of the timeline based on your specific situation. Let’s talk it through. Call us at 1 800 361-2486, extension 410.

Union certification is the official legal recognition that gives a union the right to represent the employees in a workplace when dealing with their employer. Once the union is certified, it can begin negotiating a collective agreement and represent the interests of the members in the bargaining unit. Would you like to learn how this applies to your workplace? Call us at 1 800 361-2486, extension 410.

Before an application for union certification can be filed, a minimum percentage of employees in the proposed bargaining unit must sign a union membership card:

• Once at least 35% of the employees in the proposed bargaining unit have signed a union membership card, an application for union certification may be filed.
• If more than 50% of the employees in the proposed bargaining unit have signed a union membership card, the union will generally be certified without the need for a vote.

Our team will explain how these requirements apply to your workplace and guide you through every step of the process. Have questions? Call us at 1 800 361-2486, extension 410.

Every organizing campaign is unique, but they generally follow the same key steps: an initial conversation with our team, an assessment of your workplace, the signing of union membership cards, and, once the required conditions are met, the filing of an application for union certification. Throughout the process, our team will guide you, answer your questions and ensure that every step is carried out with respect for your rights. Want to learn more? Let’s talk it through. Call us at 1 800 361-2486, extension 410.

Yes. Every organizing effort begins with one person who decides to ask a question. You can contact us to discuss your workplace, get information and better understand the options available to you. If unionizing is a possibility, we’ll guide you through every step of the process. If you’d like to talk it through, call us at 1 800 361-2486, extension 410.

Absolutely. Contacting the 800 does not commit you to anything. We’re here to answer your questions, explain how the unionization process works and help you better understand your rights so you can make an informed decision. If you’d like to talk it through, call us at 1 800 361-2486, extension 410.

Yes. All conversations with our team are strictly confidential. You can ask questions, discuss your situation and explore your options with complete confidence by calling 1 800 361-2486, extension 410. No action will ever be taken without your knowledge and consent.

Yes. In certain circumstances, workers may choose to be represented by a different union. This process is governed by the Labour Code and must follow specific rules and time periods. If you’re wondering whether this option is available to you, contact our team at 1 800 361-2486, ext. 410. We’ll take the time to review your situation, answer your questions and explain the options available to you in complete confidence.