How to form a Union

We’re a company that does communications for unions and we believe that unions are good for working people. If you’re looking for information about forming a union and your search engine brought you to our site, here’s some basic info to get you started and links to help you find out more.

First, understand that provincial and federal laws guarantee your freedom to form a union. Everyone is free to join the trade union of his/her choice and to participate in its lawful activities.

1. Before you begin talking about a union at work, it's smart to get some support from a union that understands your workplace. They will answer your questions, show you the process and keep everything confidential. Google unions in your province or call your Federation of Labour. Each province has a Federation and the contact info is below.
2. A union representative will help you set up a meeting with a group of interested co-workers.
3. The first legal step in forming a union is for you and your co-workers to sign a union membership card. The card you sign is confidential. Your employer, by law, never sees the cards or a list of who has joined the union. Only the provincial Labour Board sees the cards.
4. When a certain percentage of workers sign cards, the Labour Board will hold a vote. There are different laws across the country about what percentage of workers must sign union cards and when the Labour Board will hold a vote. Your union representative can give you that information.
5. When your group has given the union representative enough signed union cards, the representative will submit an application to the Labour Board. The Labour Board will review your application and will either arrange for a secret ballot vote or certify the union immediately, depending on the law for your area.
6. As soon as the Labour Board issues your union certificate, the union will help arrange a meeting where you and your co-workers will elect representatives and make a list of what you want to aim for in your first contract.

Nova Scotia
Federation of Labour
1-902-454-6735
www.nsfl.ns.ca

New Brunswick
Federation of Labour
1-506-857-2125

Prince Edward Island
Federation of Labour
1-902-368-3068
peifed@pei.aibn.com

Newfoundland & Labrador
Federation of Labour
1-709-754-1660
www.nf.sympatico.ca/nlfl

Northern Territories
Federation of Labour
1-867-873-3695
ntfl@yk.com

Yukon
Federation of Labour
1-867-667-2331