No. A union gives employees a collective voice to balance the power of management, but it still protects every members ability to raise concerns, participate in meetings, vote on contracts, shape priorities, and run for leadership positions.
Rather than facing workplace issues alone, members have access to union representation and a negotiated grievance process that ensures concerns are handled fairly.
No, collective agreements also cover:
- Benefits
- Vacation
- Leaves
- Scheduling
- Overtime
- Job security
- Seniority
- Discipline procedures
- Health and safety
Just as important is having a union in your corner so you have representation throughout the changes that are coming to your workplace.
Many rights will be negotiated in your collective agreement. But some come immediately after a successful vote, and others are guaranteed to be in your collective agreement. Right now, your employer can dismiss you without cause. After you join a union, this practice will stop. They also will not be able to arbitrarily change your terms and conditions of work. You are also guaranteed a fair grievance policy.
Dues allow you and your union to negotiate and defend your rights and create conditions that will allow for a better workplace. In CUPE, there are two portions. National dues are 0.85 percent of base wages and provide your National Staff Representative and specialist services, including legal, research, communications, health & safety, WSIB, pay equity and more.
The local portion of your dues provides such things as time for your locally elected representatives to work on your behalf, to take important issues to arbitration and cover the cost of local meetings. All dues are tax- deductible.
To start, go to our Contact form and fill out the information there. An organizer will get in touch with you to chat confidentially.