Unite New Brunswick: Start A Union

Starting a union in New Brunswick involves a few key steps. Firstly, it's important to understand that workers in almost any company have the right to form a union, regardless of the industry or labour law. The process usually begins with workers coming together to express a common interest in improving their wages, benefits, and working conditions. This involves talking to trusted coworkers to build support for the union and discuss what changes are desired. Once there is a strong majority of support, the next step is to contact a union organizer, such as the IBEW Local 37, who can offer guidance and make connections with other unions. This is followed by forming an organizing committee, which represents different departments, shifts, and employee demographics. The committee leads the charge in educating coworkers about the union and gathering information about workplace structure, employee details, and employer details. The next steps include signing union cards, holding an election or card-check to demonstrate support, and negotiating a contract with the employer. The process is democratic, and confidentiality is maintained throughout to protect the rights of employees.

Talk to your coworkers

Talking to your coworkers is the first step in starting a union. It can be intimidating to start a conversation about unions, so it's a good idea to begin with coworkers you already know well. Start by asking them questions about their experiences and see if they have any concerns about the current working conditions. For example, you could ask:

• "How have your schedules been lately?"
• "Do you feel like we're getting paid enough for our work?"
• "What would you change about our work if you could?"

These conversations will help you understand what issues your coworkers are facing and how much support you can expect for a union. It's important to have these discussions discreetly, as your employer is not allowed to interfere with your decision to join a union.

Once you have a good understanding of the concerns and level of support, you can start building a case for the union. Discuss with your coworkers the specific changes, protections, or improvements that a union could bring. Talk about how a union could make working conditions better and safer, and address any concerns or complaints that are not being taken seriously. It's crucial to have these conversations in a respectful manner, as you want to build a strong majority of coworkers who are on board with the idea of unionizing.

Remember, you have the right to talk about starting a union and improving your working conditions. Your employer cannot discipline, discriminate against, or terminate you for organizing or joining a union.

Contact a union organizer

Contacting a union organizer is the first step in forming a union in New Brunswick. This process is straightforward and confidential. You can contact a union organizer by calling or emailing them. For example, to get in touch with UFCW Canada, you can call or email and ask to speak with an organizer. This organizer is a specialist in labour law and will answer all your questions. All contacts with UFCW Canada are kept confidential, and there is no obligation. Similarly, to reach out to CUPE, you can call or text their organizer, Stacy Delaney, or send an email.

Union organizers are knowledgeable about labour laws and can provide advice and guidance on the process of forming a union. They can also offer insights into working conditions in specific industries. When you contact a union organizer, they will guide you through the steps of forming a union, including signing membership cards and navigating the requirements for holding a vote if needed.

It is important to remember that you cannot be disciplined, discriminated against, or terminated for organizing or joining a union. Union organizers will protect your rights under New Brunswick Labour Law. They will also ensure that all communication remains confidential and that your employer does not have access to any information without your consent.

By reaching out to a union organizer, you can gain the support and expertise needed to navigate the process of forming a union effectively and securely. This initial contact is a crucial step in building a strong foundation for your unionization efforts.

Start an organizing committee

Starting a union at work begins with talking to your coworkers and gauging their interest in organizing. Forming an organizing committee is the first step in this process. This committee will be responsible for moving things forward and will be made up of leaders in their departments who are respected and well-liked by their colleagues.

When forming an organizing committee, it is important to ensure diversity. The committee should represent all major departments, shifts, and reflect the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of the workforce. Leaders are identified and committee members are educated about workers' rights, as well as the policies and principles of democracy and rank-and-file control. They are also trained to warn their coworkers about the impending management anti-union campaign.

The committee should also gather basic information about the workplace, including workplace structure (departments, work areas, jobs, shifts), employee information (name, address, phone number, shift, job title, and department), and employer information (other locations, parent company, products, customers, and union history). This information will be useful when developing a comprehensive organizing plan.

Once the organizing committee is in place, the next step is to develop a program of union demands and a strategy for the union election campaign. The committee should discuss and identify a set of demands or improvements that the union aims to achieve. This could include issues such as workplace safety, fair treatment, wages, benefits, and working conditions. It is important to talk to a union organizer to make a plan, avoid common pitfalls, and understand your rights.

Overall, starting a union involves building a diverse and well-informed organizing committee that can drive the unionization process forward, from identifying demands to developing a comprehensive plan and strategy for achieving a successful union election.

Sign union cards

Signing union cards is a crucial step in the process of forming a union in New Brunswick. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations regarding this step:

Building Support and Discussing Goals:

Before signing union cards, it's essential to have conversations with your trusted coworkers about the desired changes, improvements, and protections that a union can bring. Discuss the working conditions, safety measures, respect in the workplace, and any concerns or complaints that haven't been addressed. By doing so, you can build a strong majority who are aligned with the goal of unionization.

Confidentiality and Employee Rights:

It's important to know that the process of signing union cards is confidential. Your employer will not see these cards, and organizations like IBEW and UFCW Canada are sworn to protect your confidentiality. Additionally, it is your right to join a union without facing any discipline, discrimination, or termination. Employers are legally prohibited from interfering with your decision to join a union and must respect your freedom to make this choice.

Signing the Cards:

When you're ready, you and your coworkers can sign union membership cards. These cards indicate your interest in participating in the unionization process and the potential benefits it can bring. Remember that signing a union card does not commit you to voting for the union in a potential election. However, it is an essential step towards reaching that stage.

Achieving the Required Threshold:

To certify the union without a vote, aim for at least 60% of employees in your workplace to sign union cards. This threshold demonstrates a strong mandate for unionization, and the New Brunswick Labour Relations and Employment Board can then certify the union. If you reach between 40% and 60%, a vote may be held, and a simple majority of "yes" votes can lead to certification.

Understanding the Impact:

By signing union cards and achieving the required thresholds, you are taking a significant step towards improving your working conditions and securing your rights. Unions provide a range of benefits, including better wages, benefits, job security, and safer working conditions. They also give employees a stronger voice and protect them from unfair treatment or discrimination.

In summary, signing union cards is a critical step in forming a union in New Brunswick. It is a confidential process that empowers employees to take control of their working conditions and secure the representation they deserve. By following these steps and understanding your rights, you can work towards achieving the benefits that unionization offers.

Hold a vote

If between 40% and 60% of employees sign union cards, the union you are looking to join may apply to the Labour Board to hold a vote. This vote will be a secret ballot and will be conducted by the Labour Board at your workplace.

Anyone in the bargaining unit the union has applied to represent can vote. If the majority of workers who cast ballots vote yes, the union is certified. No one will know how you voted.

If a majority of employees vote yes, the Labour Board can certify the union as your bargaining representative. This means your employer must recognise the union as the exclusive agent for the employees in the relevant workgroup.

This vote is a protected right under the National Labor Relations Act. Failure to bargain with the union after this point is an unfair labour practice.

Frequently asked questions