Why Join a Union?

“With a union, the people who actually do the work have a say in how things operate. We don’t have any more arbitrary decisions from managers.”

The most common reason why people want a union is because there is something that is unfair about their workplace. People who are unionized enjoy greater job satisfaction because unions allow employees to negotiate the rules and policies of the workplace with the employer. A union means an end to inconsistent rules and favouritism. No wonder studies show that unionized employees are happier.

Union members make $5.17/ hour more than non-unionized workers.

Union membership allows you and your co-workers to negotiate a fair pay system. Many union contracts provide increases to ensure that employees are fairly compensated for experience, commitment and length of service. With a union, you know when to expect a raise and how much it will be.

“I can retire with dignity knowing that I’ll get a pension.”

By forming a union you can negotiate a contract with benefits that are guaranteed in writing. Benefits like a health and dental plan, vacation pay, paid sick leave, a pension plan, training and overtime.

“I know my job is safe because I am unionized.”

With a union contract, you can stop favouritism, and challenge unfair discipline and dismissal. Your employer can only fire you with a good reason. Having a union also allows employees to have a say when cost-cutting, contracting-out, restructuring and other decisions are considered.

1,000 Canadians are killed on the job every year.

With a union, you and your co-workers will have the support you need to fix health and safety dangers in your workplace. The United Steelworkers are experts in workplace safety. We’ve shown government and employers that the design of work, and how it is planned and supervised, has a profound effect on the health of employees and the environment.

Being a Steelworker member is more than just exercising your rights and winning better pay – it is also an opportunity to expand your own skills. Our leadership programs are about training our members on how to build power and negotiate with employers. Our members become educated in employment law, gain self-confidence and build new friendships.