Overview
The workplace rights of unionized workers are set out in their collective agreement, rather than in provincial or federal labour standards legislation. Their employment standards must meet, and generally far exceed, those of non-unionized workers.
Although collective agreements of unions must meet the minimum standards set out in the Labour Standards Code, the Labour Standards Division does not process complaints from unionized employees. If you are part of a union and you feel that your rights under the Labour Standards Code have been violated, your union should be able to advocate to have these rights respected according to your collective agreement.
If you are unsure if you are a member of a union, you can refer to your paystubs to see if union dues are being deducted.
Unionized employees are best supported through their union representatives (“union rep”), as unions have specific structures and resources to address the needs and concerns of their members.
If you have reached out to your union rep and have not received a response, there are other steps you can take:
Consult Your Collective Agreement: This document outlines your rights and the procedures for addressing workplace issues. It can provide valuable information on the steps to take and who to contact within your union for further assistance.
Contact Your Local or International Union Office: They can provide guidance and intervene if necessary.
Reach Out to the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC): If you experience issues with your union and feel that your concerns are not being addressed, the CLC can provide additional support and advocacy.
Your union rep is there to help you navigate workplace issues and ensure your rights are protected. If you have concerns about your workplace rights, we strongly encourage you to reach out to them.