The Union Advantage

Once you are employed by Black Gold you are a member of Local CUPE 3484. You will have monthly union dues deducted according to the Constitution and Bylaws. The union represents all employees covered by a collective agreement. To fully participate in the union, you must be a Member In Good Standing. Being a member in good standing gives you a say in how your union is run.

In every province, workers have the right to join a union and have union representation when dealing with their employer.

To become a member in good standing you must fill out a Membership Application Form and sign it. Then send it to Vice President Denise Jakubowski through the internal school mail system or by email vicepresidentcupe3484@gmail.com. There is a one time initiation fee of $2.00, as required by law. This fee is waived until December 31, 2021. Upon receipt of your membership application and initiation fee you will become a “MIGS of CUPE Local 3484. Each meeting the president will ask “Are there any new members?” Any new member will then be sworn in. This process can be done in person or virtually by ZOOM. Only members in good standing have…

  • the opportunity to be fully informed about your union/local and what it does.
  • invitations to monthly and/or special membership meetings where decisions, which directly affect Support Staff, are made.
  • voting rights on the decisions of your local.
  • the ability to run for elected positions.
  • become a delegate of your union and attend conferences, workshops, and education opportunities.

 

The pros of being in a union:

  • Health benefits. Most (if not all?) unionized workers are entitled to extended health and medical benefits. This is a huge bonus. Especially if you or anyone in your family has major health issues. Not only are you potentially covered for hundreds of thousands of dollars over your career, but you’re also protected by the union in that your job seems more secure if you have to take extended leaves due to illness.
  • You have job security. When you aren’t part of a union, you can be fired for no reason (I’m reminded of when I was unfairly fired a few years ago). But when you’re part of a union, it’s pretty hard to get fired. It has to be pretty serious, and even then, you can still file a grievance.
  • You can speak up. You don’t have to be scared to speak your mind or stir the pot if you think something is unfair. The union is supposed to be there for advice, and for support.
  • Seniority. Of course this differs between different unions, but for the most part, seniority can be a factor in determining who gets a promotion, or even who gets to keep their jobs if there are layoffs. When a union is involved, employers are usually required to let go of the most junior employees. This is supposed to eliminate favoritism in the workplace.

 

  1. Collective Bargaining – Collective bargaining occurs when a group of people, such as the workforce at a company, bands together to increase its negotiating power.

For instance, a single worker might feel that a certain new safety measure should be implemented in his factory, but he might have limited power to get the company to install the new measure.

If the entire workforce is made aware of the need for the new measure and bands together to pressure the company to install it, there is a much greater chance that the company will comply.

Labor unions band workers together, allowing the voices of individual workers to be heard and possibly made into a goal of the union. Unionized workers typically elect representatives to bring concerns to the union’s attention. Collective Bargaining makes sure changes are negotiated rather than imposed

 

  1. Higher Wages – One of the top benefits of being a union worker is that you enjoy a better wage as compared to your non-union counterparts.

“Economic research shows that unionized workers typically receive higher wages than otherwise comparable non-union workers. This “union wage advantage” is greatest for people who would otherwise be lower-paid workers. This group notably includes workers with less formal education and skills, younger and less experienced workers, and women and workers of colour who experience discrimination in the job market.” –The Broadbent Institute

Union workers are also more likely to enjoy consistent pay raises on a regular basis. With a non-union job, the employer can set the wage without any formal bargaining process or input from the employees.

 

  1. Support – One other key benefit of working as a union employee is that a union representative will work with you should you have a personal issue with the employer.

“Unions are also important advocates of human rights and democracy. They provide workplace representation for their members, have some influence over workplace rules, and provide protection from arbitrary discipline and dismissal.

Non-union workers have theoretical access to a number of rights and standards through individual litigation and complaints under employment standards legislation, but these are basically means to seek redress after employment has been terminated. In short, unions give many workers a collective voice and some workplace power vis-à-vis their employers.” –The Broadbent Institute

 

  1. A voice Good workplace relations can also be a major positive: the important work of Freeman and Medoff (1984) emphasizes the importance to management of a collective union voice which facilitates joint labour/management discussion of workplace problems. This openness is enormously important: productivity is always a social process and not just a technical one. If individual workers are treated with dignity and respect; if workplace rules are perceived as fair; if workers can raise concerns and have them equitably resolved; if workers know that they will share the benefits of workplace change; and if workers have a say in working conditions, training, and health and safety issues, then workers are likely to work co-operatively with management. –The Broadbent Institute

 

  1. Equality and Fairness – Public sector union wage increases have more or less matched private sector increases over the past decade. They have barely even matched inflation – despite economic growth. Moreover, the overall public sector pay advantage is very modest, and is almost entirely the product of higher pay for women in lower-paid occupations, and it is significantly offset by lower-than-private sector pay for mainly male workers in senior public sector professional and managerial jobs. –The Broadbent Institute

Collective bargaining agreements reflect economic realities and the desire of unions to maintain good jobs for all their members. Unions have been an important defender of human rights and economic equality, and a major reason why extreme income inequality is less pronounced in Canada.

 

  1. Job Security – Unionized workplaces also tend to have far lower worker turnover, giving an employer the benefit of experienced workers and an incentive to invest in the skills of employees knowing that they are unlikely to leave the firm. It is easy to see how much, if not all, of the union wage advantage is offset by benefits for employers.

 

  1. Stronger Economy – IMF released a report stating that the decline in unionization is directly correctly to the growing margin of income inequality.

“A large majority — four out of five Canadians or 80% — believe the gap between the rich and everyone else has widened over the last decade. Yet large majorities, regardless of demographics or political preference, believe the federal government can and should do something to reduce inequality.” –The Broadbent Institute

 

  1. Better Training – Unions offer greater opportunities for training advancement to its’ members guaranteeing that they will be safer on the site, avoiding more injuries and potential safety hazards.

 

  1. Health and Safety – Unionized members are held to the highest standard when it comes to health and safety. Ensuring that all members are protected and given the right equipment and resources to avoid possible injuries.

 

  1. Rewards and Benefits ­– Unions often times have access to greater loyalty reward programs, scholarships, and benefits for members and their families