How do I join UFCW 1518?

01

Connect with Us Confidentially

  • Use our Contact form or call us at 1-888-581-1518.
  • We will get back to you as soon as possible to answer your questions about joining a union.
  • Know that once you start the process of unionizing, your job is protected by the BC Labour Relations Board.
02

Union Support Cards

  • Working with staff from our union, you and your co-workers will sign support cards indicating that you want to join UFCW 1518. When enough of you sign a card, you will win your union!
  • This process is confidential. Your employer will never have the right to know who did or did not sign. Your employer cannot legally take action against anyone for signing a card.
03

Notice to Employer

  • When the BC Labour Relations Board certifies you and your coworkers as members of UFCW 1518, union staff will contact your employer to begin the bargaining process.
  • You will elect coworkers to represent you in bargaining.
04

Collective Agreement Proposals

  • You and your co-workers submit proposals for your new contract/collective agreement in your workplace.
  • Your new contract will spell out wages, benefits, respect and job security.
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I got full-time hours after the union negotiated a contract for us. I’ve learned there are lots of advantages to being a union member.

Connie, member since 1998

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Today I receive dental, medical, and prescriptions covered for myself and my husband because of UFCW 1518.

Helen, member since 1994

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A union brings accountability to the workplace. No more improvisational disciplinary proceedings. Now we expect fairness.

Stephanie, member since 2016

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Myth

Management will know if I signed a union card.


Fact

Management will never know who signed cards – the process is 100% confidential. We will never tolerate retaliation against workers who are in favour of unionizing.

Myth

Union dues are expensive. 


Fact

Union dues are no more than 2% of your wages and are 100% tax-deductible. You won’t pay one cent until you vote in your first collective agreement. No benefits, no dues.

Myth

I won’t be able to speak directly with management if we join a union.


Fact

This is not true. The union only steps in when a worker requests help. Union workers have a stronger voice and more respect, ensuring that their concerns are heard.

Myth

Unions just protect lazy workers
.

Fact

There are no union contracts requiring an employer to keep lazy or incompetent workers. We protect workers against unjust dismissals and arbitrary discipline.

Myth

If we join the union, I’ll lose the benefits that I have now. 


Fact

The union will always fight to keep what you have and add the things that you care about. You will be able to negotiate for more!

Myth

Joining a union will make our work schedules less flexible.

Fact

Scheduling does not have to change if you don’t want it to. We can help negotiate a flexible schedule into a legally binding contract that will not change with new management or owners.

Myth

If we unionize, we will go on strike
.

Fact

Strikes are very rare. You have control over strikes through a vote – a majority of your co-workers must be in favour to launch a strike. If that happens, we will provide you with strike pay.

Myth

The company will shut down if we unionize and I’ll lose my job.


Fact

It is illegal to close a workplace because the employees decide to join a union. No successful business will shut down because the workers decide to organize.

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