How To Join
The Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union (COPE) is a dynamic and well established Union that represents approximately 35,000 members in 49 locals across Canada. Our goal as your union is to ensure that all of our members are informed, represented and respected in the workplace.
COPE represents workers in various public and private sectors such as Health Care, Education, Financial Services, Labour Organizations, Non Profit and Government Agencies. Members of COPE have a Collective Agreement in their workplace that protects their rights, working conditions, benefits, wages, vacation time, sick leave and more. Unionized workplaces on average make 20% – 25% higher wages according to Statistics Canada.
COPE workers have experienced staff representatives on their side who represent them in WSIB cases, Arbitrations, Grievances and Negotiations. Union membership means that it is no longer you versus management. We are a membership driven organization with affiliation to the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) giving us strength in millions, allowing our workers to have a voice in all issues affecting working people.
COPE will provide you with a legally binding Collective Agreement that will govern the terms and conditions in your workplace such as: improved working conditions, language to eliminate favouritism, a proven avenue for improving wages and benefits, proper job postings and transfers where seniority governs, representation by experienced and qualified staff, and a grievance procedure that allows employees a legal avenue to challenge unfair decisions by management.
3 Steps to Unionizing your Workplace:
1. Call COPE at 416-703-8515 ext. 230
2. Majority of Workers sign cards in favour of COPE
3. Workers vote for membership in COPE five days later.
PRINT, SIGN AND RETURN YOUR CARD TODAY!
With union protection your employer cannot unilaterally change wages, hours, benefits and other conditions of employment since these matters are subject to collective bargaining and are legally protected and enforced by the collective agreement. COPE has experienced organizers and staff representatives who will structure a campaign with the intent of maximizing and protecting the legal rights of workers trying to unionize their workplace.
If you are interested in finding out more information about COPE or the organizing process, please contact Liz Fong at 1-800-696-7348 or 416-703-8515 ext. 230 or email lfong@copeontario.ca
