How do I begin unionizing in my workplace?
Work is not always easy. Rising costs, economic uncertainty, and growing workloads have left many workers wondering how they can create real change, have a strong voice, and gain better protections in the workplace.
The good news is you don’t have to do this alone.
When workers come together, they have the power to improve their working conditions. Joining a union gives employees a stronger voice, legal protections and the ability to negotiate for better wages, better working conditions, and a more secure future.
Are you ready to build a better workplace with us?
The first step is to email COPE at organize@copeontario.ca or call +1 647 905 5025. Your conversation with our organizers is kept completely confidential.
Unionize your workplace in 3 easy steps!
1. Build Support
The first step is talking with your coworkers and signing union membership cards. A COPE Ontario organizer will guide you through the process, answer questions, and provide the resources you need every step of the way. Your employer never sees who has signed a union card—they are only informed of the information required through the legal certification process.
2. Apply for Certification
Once the required level of employee support has been reached, your COPE Ontario organizer files an application with the Ontario Labour Relations Board to begin the certification process.
3. Vote to Unionize
If a vote is required, it is conducted by the Ontario Labour Relations Board. When a majority of employees vote in favour of joining COPE Ontario, your workplace becomes unionized and your bargaining rights are officially recognized.
Will you join COPE Ontario?
Once you are unionized...
COPE Ontario will provide you with an experienced staff representative who will help negotiate your first collective agreement with your elected workplace representatives. A union contract sets out the wages, benefits, working conditions, job security and your rights in the workplace in writing. Your employer is legally bound by the terms of this collective agreement.
Know your rights!
All workers in Ontario have a right to join a union. That right is protected under both federal and provincial labour law, the Canadian Charter of Human Rights and Canada’s Constitution.
Under the Ontario Labour Relations Act you also have the right to propose that your fellow workers become members of a trade union and to participate in forming a union. The Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union considers these rights fundamental in a democracy and will fight to protect them.
COPE Ontario can help you and your fellow workers get fair wages, benefits and job protection, and help eliminate discrimination, harassment or intimidation in the workplace.
