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 the majority of your co-workers sign a support card indicating you would like the BC Labour Relations Board to hold a unionization vote at your workplace.
- 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
Secret Ballot Vote
- When a majority of your co-workers have signed a union card, the BC Labour Relations Board will hold a secret ballot vote to form a union at your workplace.
- Vote “Yes” to join the union.
04
Collective Agreement Proposals
- You and your co-workers submit proposals as to what should be the new collective agreement in your workplace.
- Your new contract will spell out wages, benefits, respect and job security.
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
Today I receive dental, medical, and prescriptions covered for myself and my husband because of UFCW 1518.
Helen, member since 1994
A union brings accountability to the workplace. No more improvisational disciplinary proceedings. Now we expect fairness.
Stephanie, member since 2016
Myth
Management will know if I signed a union card or voted to join the union.
Fact
Management will never know who signed cards or how you voted – 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 vote to 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 vote to join the union, 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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Contact us in confidence
Contact us in confidence
Have more questions about the joining a union? Need support at work? Send us a message! Any information you share with us is kept 100% confidential.