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Union Organization Frequently Asked Questions

Nov. 1, 2019
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Q. I have heard about graduate students at Wilfrid Laurier University working toward organizing a union for graduate teaching assistants. What does this mean?

An application for certification of a union for graduate teaching assistants at Laurier has been filed with the Ontario Labour Relations Board by the Public Service Alliance of Canada. As part of the certification process, there will be a vote involving the Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) employed at Laurier that would be part of the bargaining unit. Upon certification, the union becomes the exclusive bargaining agent for the members of the bargaining unit.

Q. What does it mean that the union is an “exclusive bargaining agent?”

Once there is certification of a bargaining unit, the university may not enter into any arrangement with individual Graduate Teaching Assistants, but instead negotiates all terms and conditions of employment with the union. The union bargains on behalf of the collective rather than you as an individual.

If you become a member of the union, you are also bound to its constitution and by-laws (including provisions for discipline and fines) and you must abide by this contract.

Prior to voting you should ask for a copy of the constitution.

Q. Why is it important to vote?

The vote determines if GTAs will become unionized. The outcome of the vote will be based only on people who attend and cast their ballot – if more than 50% of the votes counted are in favour of the trade union then all GTAs, whether they voted or not and whether they wanted to be unionized or not, will become unionized. You should not let others decide this important issue for you without exercising your right to vote and it is very important to get informed and to cast your vote.

Q. Are there any restrictions or limits on the salary and benefits increases that can be negotiated by unions under government legislation?

Yes. Bill 124 limits the increases that can be provided to existing compensation to no more than 1% per year, beginning on the commencement date of the new collective agreement.

Q. If I don’t want to be in a union, can I opt out?

No. If there is a union representing GTAs you will be subject to their “exclusive bargaining rights.” This means that they represent all affected employees whether you are a member or not, and whether you voted in favour of them or not. This issue, therefore, affects everyone. Everyone, will have dues deducted. There is no opting out.

Once a union is certified, the law protects the union's right to negotiate on behalf of the bargaining unit for a considerable amount of time before the Labour Board can consider de-certifying the union.

Q. I was asked to sign a union membership card. What does this mean?

Signing a union membership card is like signing a contract. By signing, you are legally bound to the union’s constitution and by-laws. These can include procedures where the union can fine members for failing to comply with their rules.

Signing a union card is significant. If you sign a card, you are legally agreeing to having the terms of your employment at Wilfrid Laurier University decided by that union.

Union Membership Card Fact vs. Fiction

Fiction

Fact

Your signature is required on the card for information purposes only and is just a formality.

Your signature on a union card is significant. It indicates your commitment to the union and binds you to accept the terms and conditions of the union’s constitution. It is much more than a simple formality or to provide information; a signature could result in you getting a union without having a vote.

Other employees have already signed a card so you should, too.

It is important to ask questions and understand the facts before choosing to sign a card. If a union tells you that they have everyone signed up, you have the right to ask to see a list of names or a total number of people that have signed. Remember – it is your right as an employee to make the decision for yourself.

Employees must sign a union card to be allowed to vote.

If there is a vote, everyone who would be part of the bargaining unit has the right to vote, even those who don’t sign a card.

If I sign a union card, and we go to a vote, I must vote for the union.

If there is a vote, all employees may choose to vote for or against union representation, whether or not they have signed a union card.

If I sign a union card and change my mind, I can’t recall my card.

If you change your mind, the union has a legal obligation to recall the card and scratch you name from the tally.

Q. What are union dues? How much are they?

Union dues are the fees that unions charge their members for the services the union provides. Dues are usually mandatory and all employees in the bargaining unit must pay them, regardless of whether or not you support the union. Unions normally try to negotiate to have your employer deduct the union dues directly off your paycheque.

When you pay union dues, the union puts the money towards servicing all of its clients – not just your bargaining unit. This means that your dues could pay for legal fees or services for another client group.

The amount of dues depends on the particular union. The typical amount is in the range of 1.6% to 1.8% of annual earnings. In addition to dues, most union constitutions permit the union to levy “special assessments” or extra charges for such things as a strike fund. Ask your union organizer how much union dues or other mandatory fees will be deducted from your pay.

Q. What happens if my union goes on strike?

You may choose to cross the picket line and continue to work while your union is on strike but unions put pressure on their members not to cross a picket line. Often there are penalties associated with crossing your own bargaining unit's picket line. These will be outlined in the union’s constitution.

Striking employees are not entitled to collect employment insurance benefits during the strike.