Liquor Store Union

June 8th, 2010

Cold Beer and Wine Store Employees: You can join a liquor store union.

You work just as hard as employees at unionized cold beer and wine stores and do the same job:

Why should you settle for less?

Members of liquor store unions:

  • Receive better pay and benefits
  • Have strong safety and ‘work alone’ protections
  • Do not work unpaid overtime
  • Have contracts that promote fairness and dignity for all

Private liquor stores are like any other business in BC: you have the RIGHT to join a liquor store union!

Did you know private liquor store employees that are members of a liquor store union typically earn over $13/h as a starting wage – with yearly raises built into the contract – plus they keep their tips!

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How to Start a Union at Work

June 7th, 2010

When most people think of unions, the first image that comes to mind is of the familiar trade unions: carpenters, plumbers, steelworkers, electricians, etc. Many don’t realize that almost any type of work can be unionized – and that unions have a lot to offer.

How to start a union at work in BC:

The first thing you need to do is find a union that represents workers like yourself: UFCW 1518 has members who are care aides, retail workers (cashiers, clerks, stock people, deli counter, grocery, produce, etc!), industrial workers, and other types of working people.

Secondly, call the union and talk with one of the organizers. It is their job to help you learn more about how to start a union at work, and to support you and your coworkers in making it happen!

The organizer will likely explain to you that BC labour law requires that at minimum 45% of the employees must sign “union cards”, otherwise known as “cards” or “recognition cards”. These cards basically create an agreement between you (card signer) and the union: it means that you want the union to represent you and that you want to belong to the union.

Since you will want to be very sure that the organizing campaign will be successful when it comes time to vote for the union, it is common to try and have more than 45% of the employees sign cards. This way, everyone has the chance to understand what the union campaign is about, and to ask their questions first, before being asked to cast a ballot.

Note: the card signing process can be kept entirely confidential for any individual who wishes to do so. While there are legal protections in place to ensure anyone who wants to join a union is free to, some people still feel intimidated; your union organizer will take this very seriously.

After signing up enough of your coworkers, the union will file for a ‘certification vote’ at the Labour Relations Board. The Board, which is a neutral government organization, will schedule a vote for you and your coworkers. The vote will happen within 10 business days and will be done by secret ballot, just like a government election.

When a majority of you and your coworkers vote Yes for the union (50% of the employees + one vote), you will have successfully started a union at work!

You may have a number of reasons for wanting to start a union: perhaps for job security, better benefits or pay, an end to favoritism, or simply to secure the fundamental respect that you and your coworkers deserve. Talk about these reasons with coworkers you respect and trust – bring your strengths and ideas together to start forming a union.

Our Labour Code strongly asserts that you have the right to start a union at work: so don’t be hesitant to learn more. People often wonder how to start a union at work without realizing that they have already made a big step in a good direction: questioning the status quo. If you are ready to make things better, start a union at work!

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How Many People are Needed to Form a Union?

June 5th, 2010

Only two people are needed to form a union in British Columbia.

Does everyone have to be on board for us to have a union?

No. Forming a union at your workplace is a democratic process where the majority rules.

If more than 50% + 1 of your co-workers vote for joining UFCW 1518, you will have a union at your workplace.

Do I Get to Vote on Having a Union at Work?

Yes. If you are one of the employees who will potentially be part of the union you have the right to vote. Forming a union at your workplace is the decision of you and your co-workers – not your employer.

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Organize a Union at Your Workplace in BC

May 28th, 2010

Why Organize a Union?

It’s the Right Thing to Do

Workers without a union often aren’t paid what they deserve.

They never know when their shifts will be week to week.

Benefits are rare without a union and part time employment is often the only work availability.

It’s unfortunate that these type of working conditions still exist in BC.

You have options as a worker. You can organize a union at your workplace. We can answer any questions you have about how to organize a union.

UFCW members seek fairness for themselves and other workers as well. We are here to help you organize a union.

Information on a Walmart Associates Union

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Union for IGA

May 28th, 2010

 

The video IGA doesn’t want you to see

 

Discover what IGA gives its unionized employees but keeps from you!

 

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Buy Low Foods Union

May 25th, 2010

Buy Low Foods employees have contacted the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1518 about obtaining the same rights and benefits that the company offers its unionized employees.

As you are aware Buy Low Foods is owned by the Jim Pattison Food Group – the same company that owns Save-On-Foods, PriceSmart, Overwaitea, and Coopers.

The Jim Pattison Food Group provides higher wages and benefits to its unionized employees that it does not extend to their employees at Buy Low Foods.

Workers at grocery stores are members of UFCW 1518. It is also the Buy Low Foods Union.

These workers have a union contract that includes minimum hours, paid vacation, fair scheduling, respect and job security.

If your store joins the Buy Low Foods Union, you will have access to the same rights and benefits the company already offers to its unionized employees.

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WCB Appeals are a Benefit of Forming a Union

May 21st, 2010

When you form a union you will have access to UFCW 1518′s WCB appeals department.

Dealing with WorkSafeBC can be tricky.

Everyone has heard the horror stories.

Many non-union workers are denied claims by WCB just because they fill in the paperwork incorrectly.

When you join a union, you have someone to help to make sure you get the compensation you are entitled to.

This is an important and valuable service for UFCW 1518 members that helps injured members in their dealings with WCB. The WCB Appeals Department works from the New Westminster office, and provides this service and assistance to members right across B.C.

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Forming a Union

May 20th, 2010

Here are some commonly asked questions about forming a union.

Will the union protect lazy employees?

No. It’s not the business of the union to protect workers that cannot do their job. However, when a workplace does have a union an employer cannot simply first someone without having adequate grounds for dismissal. Forming a union protects workers from unjust discipline.

Is forming a union difficult?

No. It is easy to form a union at your workplace. If a majority of your co-workers want the fairness and respect a union provides they can join through a secret ballot vote.

Will my employer find out I called a union?

Not unless you tell them. We protect the confidentiality of those who contact us about forming a union. It is unlawful for the labour board or a union organizer to tell an employer who has signed a card.

Can the company fire us for forming a union?

No. This is unlawful. Most employers are intelligent enough to hire lawyers so that they do not break the law. If something does happen at your workplace you are protected by the labour board. Additionally the union will back you up 100% of the way with legal council.

Can I talk about the union at work?

Yes. But not on company time. Coffee breaks, meal breaks or after work are fine.

Who runs UFCW 1518?

Our members. Our union is a democratic not for profit organization. Members elect their own officers and vote on issues that matter to them.

Forming a Union

Is the company required to negotiate with us?

Yes. BC’s labour code requires that once you have gone through the process of forming a union, your employer is required by law to sit down with you and your co-workers and negotiate in good faith the wages and working conditions at your workplace

Will we be forced to go on strike?

No. We negotiate better pay and working conditions – not strike. Almost all of our contracts are negotiated without any labour dispute. However if members at a workplace are not willing to accept an offer from their employer, they do have the ability to vote to go on strike. The decision to go on strike can only be made by you and your co-workers by a majority vote. No one else, not the leadership, nor the staff can “force” you to go on strike.

What will be in our union contract?

That’s up to you! After forming a union you will sit down with your co-workers and put together a list of proposals that you would like to see in your new union contract. You have the right to vote on what the contract looks like. You probably wont get EVERYTHING you are looking for in your first contract, but we guarantee it will be an improvement.

Can anyone join a union?

As long as you do not hire, fire, or discipline you are eligible to form a union. Supervisors and part time workers are eligible to join a union.

How can I contact you about forming a union?

Fill in our online form and a union organizer will get in touch with you.

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Form a Union

May 20th, 2010

Do you want the fairness and respect a union can provide at your workplace?

Here how workers in BC like you can form a union:

  • Speak with other people you work with to check how they are being treated at work

    What are their wages, benefits and working conditions like? Are they willing to help make a positive change in their workplace and form a union?

  • Know the laws around joining a union

    It is your right to form a union in BC. You cannot be fired or disciplined for joining a union. Every worker has the right to form a union with an organization of their choice.

    It’s a good idea at this stage to contact us to get some advice about starting your union. We promise to maintain your confidentiality.

  • Contact a UFCW 1518 union organizer

    Get a hold of the UFCW organizer in your city. They can answer your questions about UFCW 1518 and help you formulate a plan to form a union at work.

  • Organize a meeting of your co-workers

    A good rule of thumb is that if your coworkers are motivated enough to attend a meeting it is a strong indication they will follow through and help you start a union. A representative from UFCW 1518 will attend this meeting and answer questions people might have. At this stage it’s best to limit people you invite to those you are most familiar with at work.

  • Sign a union card

    The next step in forming a union is for you and your co-workers to sign UFCW 1518 membership cards. These cards are used to show the labour board there is sufficient support in your workplace for a secret ballot vote to be held. These cards are confidential and your employer will never know who supports the union or has signed a card.

  • Convince a majority of your co-workers to sign a card

    In general you will find that your co-workers will be supportive about joining a union but will be apprehensive about signing a card because they don’t want their employer to find out. Your job will be to provide reassurance that your boss will never know who supports the union and that nothing can happen to you by supporting a union at your workplace.

  • Apply for a union

    With the help of UFCW 1518 legal council we will submit an application to the BC labour board to form a union where you work.

  • Vote Yes to Form a Union

    A vote will be held where you work. If a majority of people vote in favour – you will have a union at your workplace.

  • Negotiations

    UFCW 1518 will help you organize a meeting where you and your co-workers will elect a bargaining committee and make a list of changes you’d like to have in your workplace. Your employer is required by law to meet with you and negotiate a contract.

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How to Start a Union

May 20th, 2010

First you contact a union organizer. They can go over the process of how to start a union in your workplace.

Next you sign union cards. When a majority of your co-workers sign a union card you can apply for a secret ballot vote to be held at your workplace. (Don’t worry – the union organizer will help you with this step.

Finally vote yes to join UFCW 1518! If 50% +1 of your co-workers vote yes at the vote, you will have a union at your workplace.

Here are some things to think about as you consider how to start a union

Before contacting the union you should talk with some co-workers you trust to see what they think. See if they share the same concerns and desire to make your workplace better.

Better yet: See if they are willing to help you! This is called forming an inside committee and it is a critical point in how to start a union.

Make sure to keep things quiet at this stage. The longer you can go without your boss finding out the better.

During the campaign you will want to find ways to contact your co-workers away from the workplace. By phone is usually the easiest way. The best time to get people’s phone numbers is before you start a union.

Consider who you want to have in your union. Often it is possible to organize particular departments or sections of a company into a workplace rather than every employee in British Columbia.

You will want to get more than 50% of employees to sign a union card. While at a minimum you only need 45% of your co-workers to sign a card, its better to sign as many people as possible.

Advice we give to everyone on how to start a union is that it’s better to do it right than to do it quickly. If you don’t engage a large number of your co-workers in the process – they may feel left out. As a general rule you should sign as many cards as you can.

Another reason you want to sign as many cards as possible is that your employer will likely try to stack the voters list or hire new people immediately before the vote. Having everyone on board and onside ensures you will be successful.

Once you are successful at the vote your employer is required to enter into contract talks with you regarding benefits, working conditions and wages.

You will democratically elect a committee made up of your peers to represent you during these negotiations – but don’t worry the union will provide a professional negotiator and legal council to make sure that you receive everything that you are entitled to.

If you’d like to take the first step in forming a union, contact us online or call our hotline 24 hours a day. Our professional staff can guide you through the steps in how to start a union at your workplace.

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