Maybe you’ve discovered your salary is not keeping up with the rising cost of living? Is job security a concern? Are long shifts and unpredictable scheduling a major source of frustration? Do you wish you had health and insurance benefits to protect you and your family? Do you feel mistreated and suspect your worker’s rights are being violated?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, you may have a strong case to start a union at your workplace. To learn more about starting a union, keep reading below. If you’re curious about the benefits unions provide, check out our Why Unions page for a deeper look at how unions make a difference.
How Do I Start a Union: 8 Steps
Assess the Need
Identify key workplace challenges, such as low wages, job security, or unsafe conditions, that a labour union could help address. Then, gauge interest by having informal conversations with coworkers to see if they share these concerns and are open to organizing.
Do Your Homework
Starting a union is a big decision. It will require a lot of upfront work, planning and persuasion. There are several processes you’ll need to follow. Do your homework. Know what a union can and can’t do to improve your workplace. Understand labour laws, union structures, and workers’ rights.
Develop a Strategy: Contact a Teamsters Organizer
If your workplace falls into a sector we represent, we’re here to help. We are one of Alberta’s strongest and longest-serving labour unions. We’ll discuss your issues and explore opportunities. We are experts on labour laws and workers rights and have the expertise to help.
Create an Organizing Committee
Next you’ll want to identify key non-management workers throughout your company who share your frustrations to form your organizing committee. Find committed, hard-working people you can rely on.
Build Support
- Host meetings: hold small, informal gatherings to discuss issues, explain the benefits of unionizing, and address concerns.
- Share information: distribute educational materials like pamphlets or FAQs about unions and workers’ rights.
- Maintain confidentiality: avoid publicizing efforts too early to prevent employer pushback.
Gather Signatures: Sign an Organizing Petition
You’ll need to get coworkers to sign an Organizing Petition. It’s a confidential document that shows you have enough interest to hold an official vote to start a union. Usually at least 40% is required by law to file for a union election, but aiming for a majority ensures strong support. Your Teamsters Organizer will help.
File For Election
File the signed authorization cards to request a formal election to the Alberta Labour Relations Board if you are in Alberta. If you are somewhere else in Canada, file for election to your regional labour board. Access this list of labour boards in Canada to find the appropriate labour board for you.
Notify workers: inform employees about the election process and timeline.
Hold a Vote to Start a Union
All non-management employees at your workplace will vote in favour or against starting a union. Voting is by secret ballot. You only require 50% plus one vote to succeed!
I’m ready to start a union
Why Teamsters 987: The Experts in How to Unionize in Alberta
Teamsters 987 has been defending the rights of Alberta workers since 1942. We represent thousands of workers across a variety of sectors. We have a proven track record of negotiating favourable contracts and improving working conditions for our members. We are more nimble than other, much larger, unions. This allows us to be more responsive to our members’ needs.
Teamsters 987 Industries Served
Brewing & Bottling ■ Cannabis ■ Corporate Administration ■ Food Processing, Bakery, Dairy ■ Grocery ■ Laundry ■ Package & Parcel ■ Public Service ■ Senior Care Workers ■ Transportation ■ Warehouse & Manufacturing
If your industry doesn’t appear on this list, that doesn’t mean we can’t help. Contact us to discuss your situation.
Talk with Teamsters
to explore your options!
You Have the Legal Right to Start a Union.
Under the law in Alberta, you have the legal right to start a labour union in your workplace. Most employers will resist bringing a union into their company, so it’s important to know your rights. If your employer violates any of the following rights at any point in the process of forming a union, contact your Teamsters Union 987 organizer – outside of work hours – immediately.
- Discuss forming a union with co-workers while not working – on break, at lunch, before and after your shift. This includes:
- Holding meetings
- Distributing flyers and other informational tools.
- Hand out and sign petitions or membership cards outside of working hours.
- Lodge a formal complaint against your employer with the help of Teamsters Union 987 if they have legitimately acted against the Alberta Labour Relations Code.
- Vote in favour of forming a union without any interference from your employer.
- Be free from any form of influence from your employer regarding joining a union. Illegal actions by the employer include:
- Asking your opinion of the union
- Making any threats to supporters of the union
- Giving or offering preferential treatment (raises, better hours, etc.) to employees who oppose the union
- Preventing employees from organizing outside of work time
- Distributing any anti-union materials in an attempt to persuade employees’ decisions to unionize.
Teamsters Union 987 is always available to answer any questions about your rights. Contact us at any time. We are here to help.
Employer Information Vs. Employee Intimidation
It’s against the law for employers to intimidate or threaten employees against forming a union. Employers are permitted to inform employees why the company believes a union isn’t necessary.
However, there is a fine line between persuading and coercing. Often, employers will post notices or hold anti-union meetings under the guise of “knowing the facts.”In many cases, they will use this opportunity to drop strong hints that there will be consequences for any employees who support unionization. If this happens, speak to your union organizer.
Advantages of Forming a Union
Higher Wages/Benefits
On average, full-time union workers make 15-18% higher hourly wages. It jumps to 50-65% for part-time workers. Unions also negotiate for better employee benefits (see chart below).
Reasonable Scheduling & Overtime
Unions can negotiate for fair, predictable scheduling. They can also provide clear expectations about when overtime pay is required and negotiate for paid vacations.
Safe Working Conditions
Your union is a strong advocate for worker safety. This includes protection against verbal abuse, harassment and intimidation.
Worker Rights
Unions can fight for a variety of rights. From equal pay for equal work to a negotiated number of sick days. They can also ensure employees have a defined number of vacation and sick leave days. A union can enshrine these rights (and others) in a collective bargaining agreement.
Job Security
Collective agreements can protect against job loss, arbitrary dismissal, changes in employment and more. They also ensure that negotiated agreements are honoured.
Training and Education
Unions can negotiate to assist employees get training for career advancement and learn new skills needed for the future.
The Numbers Add Up in Your Favour
I’m ready. I want to learn more.
How Do I Start a Union? FAQs
If your workplace is in Alberta, Teamsters 987 can help you take the required steps to start a union. Teamsters 987 has been defending the rights of Alberta workers for over 80 years. We’d love to learn more about your workplace and the challenges you face, and make sure we’re the right fit.
No. When it is time to hold a ‘Certification Vote’ all you require is 50% +1 additional vote of the eligible (non-management) employees to vote YES. Once that happens, you are in a legal position to unionize. Your Teamsters 987 Organizer can explain all of the steps involved.
No. Alberta law protects the right to organize. Employers are forbidden from interfering with the voting process or intimidating workers.
