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I want to unionize

Together, change is possible

Behind every union victory are workers who decided they deserved better. At UES800, we support people who want to join a union by guiding them through the process in a simple, confidential and secure way.

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Why join UES800?

Joining a union means choosing not to face your employer’s decisions alone. By standing together, workers can improve their working conditions, protect their rights and receive support when challenges arise. Collective strength also makes it possible to negotiate meaningful improvements and build fairer, more respectful workplaces.

+20k

members across Quebec. Together, we form one of the largest unions in the service sector

40

years of standing up for workers. We support workers through collective bargaining, workplace disputes and every step of the fight for better working conditions.

+200

members trained every year. Helping members strengthen their voice, support their coworkers and stand up for the value of their work.

How does the unionization process work?

Choosing UES800 means choosing not to face your employer’s decisions alone. By standing together, workers can improve their working conditions, protect their rights and receive the support they need when challenges arise. Together, we negotiate meaningful improvements and help build fairer, more respectful workplaces.

Step 1 – Let's talk about your workplace

Every organizing effort begins with a conversation. Our team takes the time to understand your workplace, the challenges you’re facing and the improvements you’d like to see. Every conversation is completely confidential 1 800 361-2486, ext. 410.

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Step 2 – Exploring your options

Working with you, we assess your workplace and determine the best approach to support the employees in your workplace. Every workplace is different, which is why our guidance is always tailored to your situation.

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Step 3 – Signing union cards

When employees decide to move forward, they can sign union membership cards. This process is strictly confidential and protected by law.

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Step 4 – Applying for union certification

Once the necessary conditions are met, the union files an official application with the Administrative Labour Tribunal in order to obtain the right to represent the workers. Once certification is granted, the process of negotiating a first collective agreement can begin.

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Would you like to talk about your situation?

Whether you’re the only one with questions or several of your co-workers are thinking about joining a union, our team is here to listen. Every conversation is completely confidential.

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More than union representation

UES800 supports you far beyond collective bargaining. From union representation and legal support to workplace health and safety, training and French language courses, our services are designed to support you throughout your professional journey.

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Testimonials

“Whenever I need them, I know they do everything they can to support me and help me resolve issues with my employer. Thank you.”

Marc Lachance

“As president of my union unit, I have always appreciated the work our representative has done for all of our members over the years. The union has supported us in many ways, and that support must continue. It is essential to our protection.”

Jessica St-Laurent

“I would like to thank you for the work you do to help achieve our goals for the benefit of the thousands of workers who place their trust in you.”

Jose Gregorio Ruiz Ruiz

“I am grateful to the union for its commitment to defending our rights and improving our working conditions.”

Beni Mukenge Kalala

“Your willingness to help and share your expertise has given us great confidence and genuine peace of mind. It is truly inspiring to work alongside people who demonstrate such commitment, teamwork, and excellence. We deeply appreciate your time, your guidance, and your ongoing encouragement.”

Lenin Campos

“You can tell that everyone is dedicated to their work, which inspires us to keep going.”

Elyza Corrales

“I’m proud to be part of a union that represents its members and promotes mutual support and respect in the workplace.”

Zachary Verreault

Union Life

From local meetings to major mobilizations, including training sessions and celebrations, union life is the beating heart of our movement.

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The 800 headlines

Follow the latest news, events and union actions shaping the daily lives of thousands of workers across Québec.

News

Frequently Asked Questions About Joining a Union

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.

Every meaningful change begins with a conversation

Wondering whether joining a union could improve your workplace? Let’s talk about it. Our team will take the time to answer your questions, assess your situation and guide you through the process—without pressure and in complete confidence.

Call us at 1 800 361-2486, extension 410, or use our online form to send us a message.

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