How to Join a Union in British Columbia

Step 1: Contact UFCW Canada

Contact UFCW Canada or one of our local unions. Ask to speak with an organizer. He or she is a specialist in Canadian labour law and will answer all your questions. All contacts with UFCW Canada are confidential. No obligation.

Step 2: Sign UFCW Canada Membership Cards

With the guidance of an organizer, you and your co-workers sign UFCW Canada membership cards or a petition. Your employer will never see these cards.

When at least 45% of the employees in your workplace have signed a union card, UFCW Canada can apply to the B.C. Labour Relations Boardfor certification.

Step 3: Vote for UFCW Canada

Ten days after UFCW Canada has applied for certification, the Labour Board can hold a secret ballot vote of all the employees. The vote will likely take place at your workplace. If a majority votes YES to UFCW Canada, the Labour Board will likely certify UFCW Canada as your legal bargaining agent. (If less than 55% of the employees participate in the vote, the Labour Board can order a second vote.)

Step 4: Now that you have a Union.

Your employer and UFCW Canada representatives (including workers from your bargaining unit) can sit down to negotiate a collective agreement. This agreement - the union contract - sets out the wages, benefits, working conditions, job security and other rights of the workers.
 

UFCW Canada has experienced, professional negotiators who know your industry and what is realistic. We've been representing Canadian workers for over 100 years.

You and your co-workers have the final say on any collective agreement, once again, through a secret ballot vote. UFCW Canada is a democratic union.

UFCW Canada Will Protect Your Rights Under B.C. Labour Law

Most employers would rather not have their employees represented by a union. But the choice is not theirs. Under British Columbia labour law, your employer cannot interfere with your decision to join a union. Employers can talk about the union generally but are forbidden from making any promises or threats, or to do anything that might prevent employees from making a free decision.

If your employer breaks the law, UFCW Canada can take legal steps to enforce your rights.

What are you waiting for?

If you think you need a union, you probably do. UFCW Canada is one of Canada's largest and most respected unions. A better life for you and your co-workers is just a phone call or email away. Contact us today.