The process to become a unionized workplace is slightly different in each province and territory. Find an overview of the process for your workplace by selecting your jurisdiction below.
Here are the basic steps:
- You and your colleagues who wish to join the union sign a member application card.
- Once enough cards are signed, PIPSC can apply for union certification with the appropriate labour board.
- A vote may be required to certify PIPSC as your union, depending on the jurisdiction.
- Once certified, the PIPSC negotiations team starts the bargaining process to negotiate your new collective agreement.
The PIPSC mobilization team is here to support you each step of the way. From educating employees about the benefits of unions to collecting member application cards, we will help you successfully unionize your workplace. If you have questions or are ready to get started, contact us. All inquiries will be kept confidential.
Overview of the unionization process by jurisdiction
Federally regulated industries, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon
Federally regulated industries include banks, airlines, telecommunications companies and more.
1. You and your colleagues who wish to join the union sign a PIPSC Application for Membership card.
2. Once a majority of employees (50% + 1) have signed a card, PIPSC can apply for union certification to the Canadian Industrial Labour Relations Board.
3. The Canadian Industrial Labour Relations Board may require a vote. If the majority of employees (50% + 1) vote in favour of unionizing, PIPSC is certified as your union.
4. Once certified, the PIPSC negotiations team starts the bargaining process to negotiate your new collective agreement.
Alberta
1. You and your colleagues who wish to join the union sign a PIPSC Application for Membership card.
2. Once 40% of employees have signed a card, PIPSC can apply for union certification to the Alberta Labour Relations Board.
3. The Alberta Labour Relations Board may require a vote. If the majority of employees (50% + 1) vote in favour of unionizing, PIPSC is certified as your union.
4. Once certified, the PIPSC negotiations team starts the bargaining process to negotiate your new collective agreement.
British Columbia
1. You and your colleagues who wish to join the union sign a PIPSC Application for Membership card.
2. Once 45% of employees have signed a card, PIPSC can apply for union certification to the British Columbia Labour Relations Board.
3. The British Columbia Labour Relations Board will require a vote. If the majority of employees (50% + 1) vote in favour of unionizing, PIPSC is certified as your union.
4. Once certified, the PIPSC negotiations team starts the bargaining process to negotiate your new collective agreement.
Manitoba
1. You and your colleagues who wish to join the union sign a PIPSC Application for Membership card.
2. Once 40% of employees have signed a card, PIPSC can apply for union certification to the Manitoba Labour Board.
3. The Manitoba Labour Board may require a vote. If the majority of employees (50% + 1) vote in favour of unionizing, PIPSC is certified as your union.
4. Once certified, the PIPSC negotiations team starts the bargaining process to negotiate your new collective agreement.
New Brunswick
1.You and your colleagues who wish to join the union sign a PIPSC Application for Membership card.
2. Once 40% to 60% of employees have signed a card, PIPSC can apply for union certification to the New Brunswick Labour and Employment Board.
3. The New Brunswick Labour and Employment Board may require a vote. If 60% of employees vote in favour of unionizing, PIPSC is certified as your union.
4. Once certified, the PIPSC negotiations team starts the bargaining process to negotiate your new collective agreement.
Newfoundland and Labrador
1. You and your colleagues who wish to join the union sign a PIPSC Application for Membership card.
2. Once 40% of employees have signed a card, PIPSC can apply for union certification to the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Relations Board.
3. The Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Relations Board may require a vote. If the majority of employees (50% + 1) vote in favour of unionizing, PIPSC is certified as your union.
4. Once certified, the PIPSC negotiations team starts the bargaining process to negotiate your new collective agreement.
Nova Scotia
1. You and your colleagues who wish to join the union sign a PIPSC Application for Membership card.
2. Once 40% of employees have signed a card, PIPSC can apply for union certification to the Nova Scotia Labour Relations Board.
3. The Nova Scotia Labour Relations Board may require a vote. If the majority of employees (50% + 1) vote in favour of unionizing, PIPSC is certified as your union.
4. Once certified, the PIPSC negotiations team starts the bargaining process to negotiate your new collective agreement.
Ontario
1. You and your colleagues who wish to join the union sign a PIPSC Application for Membership card.
2. Once 40% of employees have signed a card, PIPSC can apply for union certification to the Ontario Labour Relations Board.
3. The Ontario Labour Relations Board may require a vote. If the majority of employees (50% + 1) vote in favour of unionizing, PIPSC is certified as your union.
4. Once certified, the PIPSC negotiations team starts the bargaining process to negotiate your new collective agreement.
Prince Edward Island
1. You and your colleagues who wish to join the union sign a PIPSC Application for Membership card.
2. Once a majority of employees (50% + 1) have signed a card, PIPSC can apply for union certification to the PEI Labour Relations Board.
3. The PEI Labour Relations Board may require a vote. If the majority of employees (50% + 1) vote in favour of unionizing, PIPSC is certified as your union.
4. Once certified, the PIPSC negotiations team starts the bargaining process to negotiate your new collective agreement.
Quebec
1. You and your colleagues who wish to join the union sign a PIPSC Application for Membership card.
2. Once 35% of employees have signed a card, PIPSC can apply for union certification to the Commission des relations du travail.
3. The Commission des relations du travail may require a vote. If the majority of employees (50% + 1) vote in favour of unionizing, PIPSC is certified as your union.
4. Once certified, the PIPSC negotiations team starts the bargaining process to negotiate your new collective agreement.
Saskatchewan
1. You and your colleagues who wish to join the union sign a PIPSC Application for Membership card.
2. Once 45% of employees have signed a card, PIPSC can apply for union certification to the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board.
3. The Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board may require a vote. If the majority of employees (50% + 1) vote in favour of unionizing, PIPSC is certified as your union.
4. Once certified, the PIPSC negotiations team starts the bargaining process to negotiate your new collective agreement.