Union membership in Canada in the first half of 2003 was 4.0 million, up from 3.9 million during the same period in 2002. More and more workers are joining unions today. Why?
RESPECT: Workers join together in unions to gain the respect they deserve on the job.
PROTECTION: Workers join unions to get protection from harassment and discrimination.
A SAFE VOICE: Union members can speak up about wages, about getting paid for all time worked, about overtime pay, about scheduling and about health and safety problems -- without fear of discipline or losing their jobs.
A BINDING CONTRACT: With a union, workers have the security of a binding contract and a clear set of rules that apply to all.
AN EFFECTIVE COMPLAINT PROCEDURE: Union members have a grievance procedure, with time limits and representation every step of the way.
SENIORITY: In most unionized workplaces, the longer you work there the more job security you have. In a non-union workplace seniority counts for nothing and any worker can be replaced at any time by someone hired from off the street.
Workers who joined a union for the first time last year include call centre workers, courier drivers, truck drivers, social service agency workers, nursing home workers, auto parts workers, electronics plant workers, workers in retail, warehouse workers, teaching assistants at universities, food-service workers, part-time workers, casual workers, nurses, hotel workers, and more!
