ORGANISE YOUR EMPLOYER
CERTIFICATION PROCESS
Organizing your workplace can seem like a daunting task ( what if my workplace is unionized? ), but the basic process is quite simple. Our organizers will assist you and your coworkers throughout the process, and will answer any questions you might have. There are 6 steps to organising.
Speak with a union organizer about starting a campaign at your workplace. They will provide you with an information package, and help you to develop a plan.
Sign a membership card, which demonstrates your desire to be unionized. These cards will be kept confidential, and at no time will your employer be told who signed a card in support of the union. They will be kept by the union, and are valid for 90 days.
Discuss the merits of being unionized. This can be done before work, at breaks, or after work. Your rights to unionize and discuss unionization are legally protected, and you can’t be punished for discussing or supporting a unionization campaign, during non-working hours. Get coworkers to sign membership cards, or put them in touch with a union organizer to speak with.
When more than 45% of the employees have signed membership cards the union will submit an application for certification with the Labour Relations Board. The board will then verify the cards, without disclosing any of the names to the employer. If enough employees are represented by the cards the Board will order a vote, by secret ballot.
Get out and vote! It’s crucial that all of the people that signed cards in support of unionization cast a vote in support. Encourage your coworkers to vote, and remind them of the importance of voting.
If the vote is successful, then the Board will certify the union as the bargaining agent for the employees, and work can begin on negotiating a contract for the workers.
Contact an organizer today!
604-709-3008
Your employer may resort to some unethical or illegal tactics to try and discourage you from unionizing. We advise keeping a copy of any correspondence you are given by the employer during the organizing campaign, as well as recording any meetings or interactions with your supervisor. This type of evidence will help our legal team support you in the event of any wrongdoing by your employer.
organise your employer
Helpful Assets
CONTACT AN ORGANIZER
Jonathan Leighs
- 604-803-2534
- jonathan@ironworkerslocal97.com
Organizing Office
- 604-709-3008
Union Membership Card
Outlined in Step 2, you'll need to download and return this PDF to Ironworkers Local 97 to formally submit your interest in the certification process.
- Please print, sign and return by post to:
Ironworkers Local 97 c/o Certification
6891 Macpherson Ave,
Burnaby, BC
V5J 4N2, Canada
- Or scan a signed copy and email it to: