Frequently Asked Questions

Your union representative is your main point of contact with the 800 in your workplace. They provide information about your rights, answer your questions, and support you when you encounter work-related issues.

When your situation requires more specialized assistance, your union representative can also refer you to a union advisor or to the appropriate resources.

Your union representative also plays an essential role in the union’s democratic life. They serve as a link between the members and the 800, communicate members’ concerns, and help ensure that information is shared throughout the workplace.

The 800 regularly prepares its financial statements in accordance with its governance rules and obligations. As part of its commitment to transparency, these statements are available to any member who wishes to consult them.
To obtain a copy, please contact Ms. France Deschênes, Executive Assistant, at the following email address f.deschenes@ues800.org

The 800’s Constitution and Bylaws are available to all members on the website. They outline the union’s governing rules, including its democratic structure, the responsibilities of its governing bodies, election procedures, and the rights and responsibilities of members.

At the 800, union dues are set at 1.75% of gross earnings, up to a maximum of $14.75 per week. They are deducted directly from your pay by your employer and are generally tax deductible.

The amount of union dues is determined democratically by the members in accordance with the 800’s Constitution and Bylaws. Any change must be approved by the delegates at the Union Convention.

Union dues help fund the services provided by the 800, including the negotiation of collective agreements, member representation, legal services, occupational health and safety, union education, the strike fund, and member mobilization activities.

Union dues enable the 800 to provide the services needed to protect and advance the rights of its members.

They help fund, among other things:

• The negotiation of collective agreements
• Representation in labour relations matters
• Grievance handling and arbitration
• Occupational health and safety services
• Legal services
• Union education and training
• The strike fund
• Representation and member mobilization activities

Union dues ensure that the union can defend the collective interests of its members and provide the services they rely on every day.

The 800 is a democratic organization whose structure allows members to participate in the decisions that affect their workplaces and their union.

At its foundation are more than 350 bargaining units. Each bargaining unit elects an Executive Committee to represent its members before both the employer and the union.

These bargaining units are organized into five workplaces:

• Building Services
• Industry
• Services, Retail, Financial Institutions and Transportation
• Education Support
• Textile and Hospitality

Each sector elects six representatives at the Union Convention. Together, they serve on the General Council, alongside the members of the Executive Committee, to establish the union’s strategic direction between conventions.

From among these representatives, one representative from each sector is elected to serve on the Executive Committee with the union’s officers. The Executive Committee is responsible for the governance and day-to-day administration of the 800.

Finally, the members also elect an Auditor to help ensure the transparency and accuracy of the union’s financial management.

This structure ensures that the 800’s decisions are made democratically and that members are represented at every level of the organization.

The 800 is a democratic organization led by its members. The union’s broad direction is established at the Convention, where elected delegates represent the various bargaining units and make the decisions that guide the organization.

Between conventions, the union’s affairs are managed by the bodies established under its Constitution and Bylaws: the General Council and the Executive Committee. Their members are democratically elected to represent the interests of workers and ensure the union’s effective governance.

Every day, the 800 stands alongside its members. It supports them in defending their rights, negotiating collective agreements, promoting occupational health and safety, handling grievances, providing union education, and assisting them with many other aspects of their working lives.

Above all, the 800 exists to represent, defend, and advance the rights of its members. Its strength depends on the commitment and active participation of the workers it represents.