THE UNION
ADVANTAGE
How much more on
average do
unionized
workers make?
Union members are more likely to report health & safety violations and refuse unsafe work!
Unionized workers are more likely to have workplace benefits, pensions and paid time off!
What we Fight For:
— 01
Better Wages and Benefits
Reports from Statistics Canada indicate that unionized workers earn significantly more than non-union workers. The same statistics show that unionized workers have better benefits, including sick leave, extended health and dental benefits, long term disability benefits, vacation time and pension plans.
— 02
Respect and Fair Treatment
In non-union workplaces, promotions, wages and other benefits are often determined by favouritism. In a unionized workplace, wage rates and benefits are negotiated for all workers equally. Job vacancies must be posted and the employer must consider applications equally with consideration given to seniority.
— 03
Safer and Healthier Workplaces
All too often, workers in non-union workplaces find it difficult to enforce their right to safe working conditions for fear of employer reprisals. A union ensures workers are not punished for exercising their rights under the law. As a result, statistics show that unionized workplaces are much safer than non-union ones.
— 04
Job Security
A union contract can strengthen job security considerably by restricting the contracting out of jobs, providing workers on lay-off with recall rights and by providing workers with protection from unjust disciplines and/or dismissal.
— 05
A voice in the workplace
In a non-union workplace, all the terms and conditions of employment (wages, benefits, hours of work etc.) are determined unilaterally by the employer and subject to change without input from workers. In a unionized workplace, workers and the employer negotiate the terms and conditions of work, which are then set out in a legally binding contract.
Members' Voices
“
Having a union allows us to bring up workplace safety concerns without fear of getting in trouble—and that's important.
Olga da Cruz
Janitor, Hallmark Housekeeping Services
Toronto, ON
“
Working with a union has not only provided me a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work, it’s also given me a work/life balance that allows me to spend more time with my family and piece of mind knowing that at the end of the day I have support for any situation that arises, work related or not.”
Mike Smith
Brewer, Labatt Breweries
London, ON
“
Being part of a union allows me to not only fight for improvements for my co-workers and myself, but for future employees as well.
Christina Bradley
Wine Merchant, Wine Rack
Toronto, ON
Contact an Organizer
If you want to form a union in your workplace, we can help you develop your plan to win.
