Steps To Joining A Union

Regardless of the kind of work you and the size your workplace, the process for forming a union in New Brunswick is fairly standard. Remember – you cannot be disciplined, discriminated against or terminated for organizing or joining a union.

There are five key steps to forming a union and IBEW Local 37 will be there with you for every one of them.

5 Steps to forming a union:

  1. Contact us! We can offer advice and guidance and make snions often know a lot about working conditions in those industries. To find out what different unions might be best for your workplace, you can contact theWe’ll protect your right to join the union under New Brunswick Labour Law . All contacts with us are kept confidential and there is absolutely no obligation.
  2. Talk to your trusted co-workers to build support for the union. Discuss together what you’d like to see changed, protected, or improved? What would make working conditions better? Safer? Are concerns and complaints being treated seriously? Is it a respectful work environment?
  3. Once you think you have a strong majority, get membership (union) cards signed. Your employer never sees these cards and the IBEW is sworn to protect confidentiality. * If at least 60% of the employees in your workplace sign a card, the New Brunswick Labour Relations and Employment Board can certify the union. SKIP to Step 5!
  4. Hold a Vote. If between 40% and 60% of the employees sign a card, IBEW Local 37 may apply to the Labour Board to hold a vote of the workers. A secret ballot vote is conducted by the Labour Board at your workplace. The NBLEB holds a secret ballot vote. Anyone who is in the bargaining unit the union applied to represent can vote. If the majority of workers who cast ballots vote to unionize, 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!
  5. Negotiate a contract!. Your union will serve notice to your employer to begin bargaining your first contract. Your employer and union representatives (including workers from your new bargaining unit) will work together to negotiate a collective agreement. This agreement – the union contract – sets out the wages, benefits, working conditions, job security and other rights for employees.The NBLEB keeps information on those who signed union cards confidential. Employers never get to see the cards. Once your union negotiators reach a fair agreement, they will bring it to the membership for a vote. For the contract to be approved, a majority of workers must vote for the agreement