Why Join a Union?

Did you know that almost one of every three Canadian workers belongs to a union? According to Statistics Canada, roughly 3.6 million employees in the Canadian workforce in 1998 were union members. Here are some of the reasons.

Better Wages

Unionized workers generally earn more than non-union employees performing similar work. The average hourly wage in Canada is about 29.8% higher for unionized employees compared to non-union workers. (StatsCan 1998 figures; average hourly wage for all Canadian employees). The gap is even larger for part-time employees, with unionized workers making over 70% more than their non-union counterparts (a difference of $6.84 per hour).

Unions have been particularly effective in improving the earnings of their female members. According to StatsCan (1998 figures), Canadian women covered by a collective agreement earned an average of $5.15 per hour more than non-union female employees in this country, representing a 41% difference in the average hourly rates.

Better Health Care, Pensions and Other Benefits

Union representation also means that you are more likely to have a dental and health care plan at your workplace, coverage for sickness or accidents, and a pension plan to which your employer contributes.

For example, StatsCan reports that 83% of unionized employees are covered by either a pension plan or a group RRSP, compared to just 33% of non-union workers. Unionized workers generally have better paid vacation leave than non-union employees (84% compared to 65%). The same gap exists for health care benefits such as dental plan coverage (77% to 45%) and supplemental health care plans (84% for unionized compared to 45% for non-union).

A Stronger Voice Through Collective Bargaining

An individual employee has little influence over what happens at the workplace and is subject to the arbitrary decisions of his or her employer. Although there are labour laws governing such things as minimum wages, holidays and overtime, these laws establish only minimum rights at a very basic level.

Belonging to a Union and being represented by a Union gives you rights that you do not have as an individual. Rather than dealing with your employer individually concerning the terms and conditions of your employment, employees bargain collectively as a group with the assistance of a Union business representative. The employer is legally obligated to negotiate with your Union and cannot refuse to discuss the issues which are of concern to employees.

Job Security

One of the most important concerns for any employee in these times of high unemployment and economic uncertainty is the right to keep your job. A collective agreement prevents you from being fired without just cause. In the event of layoffs due to lack of work, most union contracts set out the rules under which layoffs or reductions in the workforce can take place. This ensures fairness to all employees and usually gives recognition to seniority based on length of service.

A Right to Vote on Your Contract

Employees working under a collective agreement are entitled in law to vote on the acceptance or rejection of any contract negotiated by their union. A majority of employees must vote to accept a tentative contract in order for it to become effective. Therefore, the ultimate decision as to the terms and conditions of employment at the workplace rests with employees through a democratic process.

Your Right to Join a Union

The law in the province of Manitoba governing the right of workers to be represented by a union and to engage in collective bargaining through union representation is set out in the Labour Relations Act of Manitoba. The preamble to the Act reads as follows:

"Whereas it is in the public interest of the Province of Manitoba to further harmonious relations between employers and employees by encouraging the practice and procedure of collective bargaining between employers an union as the freely designated representatives of employees..."

The Labour Relations Act also clearly states the basic rights of all employees:

Union membership rights 
5(1) Every employee has the right 
 (a) to be a member of a union;
 (b) to participate in the activities of a union; and
 (c) to participate in the organization of a union.

Therefore all workers in Manitoba have the legal right to join a union of their choice, to be represented by a union, and to bargain collectively with their employer through a union.

Under the law, employees are entitled to be free from any coercion, intimidation or harassment when making their decision whether or not to join a union or organize a union at their workplace. Although an employer may insist that you restrict your union organizing activities to off-duty hours, what you do on your own time is your business. Therefore it is illegal for any employer to:

• fire, demote, lay off or otherwise punish an employee for engaging in union activities
• threaten to punish an employee in any way for engaging in union activities or for exercising any of the
• employee's legal rights under the Labour Relations Act of Manitoba
• interrogate an employee as to whether he or she has applied for membership in a trade union
• attempt to discourage an employee from joining a union
• attempt to influence an employee's choice as to which union to select as their bargaining agent

Employers who engage in such illegal activities are committing an unfair labour practice under the Labour Relations Act and may be subject to legal sanctions and financial penalties. Where the Manitoba Labour Board rules that an unfair labour practice has been committed, the Board has the power to order the reinstatement of any employee who has been improperly terminated or to order other remedies.

Who to Contact

If you are interested in having the Operating Engineers of Manitoba represent you at your workplace, or if you would simply like some more information on unions and your right to organize a union, contact the Local 987 office and ask to speak to one of the business representatives.

Operating Engineers of Manitoba, Local 987
1008 Wall Street
Winnipeg, MB
R3G 2V3
phone: (204) 786-8658
e-mail: local987@oe987.mb.ca

All inquiries will be treated in confidence.