How do I begin unionizing my workplace?

Things can be tough for workers in non-unionized environments and often, ongoing concerns in the workplace lead workers to band together to join a Union. Amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic, things have gotten even tougher but COPE continues to fight for its members, as well as non-unionized workers, across the Province. During the pandemic, we've been:

  • Fighting for greater health and safety protocols and procedures in all workplaces
  • Fighting for pandemic pay for all workers, both union and non-union
  • Advocating for no layoffs and/or reduction in hours for our members
  • In situations where layoffs are occurring, fighting for wages top-ups and benefits continuation

We've been fighting for all this and more.

Are you ready to fight with us, for you?

The first step is to email COPE at [email protected]  or 

call 416-703-8515 ext. 235 or 230. Your conversation with our organizers is kept completely confidential.

Unionize your Workplace in 3 Easy Steps:

  1. Majority of Workers sign cards in favour of joining COPE Ontario – our organizers will assist you in getting your co-workers to sign union cards and informing them of the benefits of joining a union in Ontario and what unionization can provide.  Your employer never sees who signs union cards, they are only provided with the percentage of workers that signed cards.
  2. After the majority of workers sign union cards in favour of joining COPE Ontario.  Our organizer files an application with the Ontario Labour Relations Board.
  3. A vote is organized by the Ontario Labour Relations Board 5 days later.  Once the majority of workers vote in favour of joining COPE, you are certified as union.

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.

Will you join COPE Ontario?

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