Why Join?
AT WORK FOR
you
BENEFITS
- Guaranteed wage rates
- Overtime
- Sick Leave and Funeral Leave
- Paid Vacation
- Safety and health protections
- Fairness in promotions & assignments
- Dignity and respect from management and supervisors
THE TABLE BELOW SHOWS JUST A FEW OF THE KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN WORKING IN A UNIONIZED VS. NON-UNIONIZED WORKPLACE
WITH A UNION
WITHOUT A UNION
Real Job Security: All UFCW local 247 contracts include no discipline or termination without just cause.
No Job Security: With few exceptions, without a union a worker in BC today can be disciplined, laid off or terminated without cause at any time.
Seniority: Seniority is an important principle in union workplaces that ensures pay raises, vacation schedules and many other benefits are given to long term employees first.
No Seniority: Management can schedule hours, give pay increases or allow extra vacation time to brand new employees while giving nothing to their long term loyal workers.
Negotiated Wages: Statistics Canada confirms that unionized workers earn more than non-union workers in the same industry. These wages, combined with additional benefits become a guaranteed part of your contract.
Sub-standard Wages: Your employer can pay whatever they want and change your wages at any time as long as they meet minimum wage guidelines. They are free to promise raises and then never follow through on these promises.
Benefits You Negotiate: Benefits are part of the contract and cannot be changed just because the company feels the need to give you less money.
Sub-standard benefits: Your employer can change benefits, rates and eligibility at any time.
A Real Voice at Work: When you organize a union, your employer is required by law to negotiate over wages, benefits and working conditions.
No Voice at Work: Employers like to say they have an “open door” policy. The problem is that it simply means if you don’t like things here, the exit door is open.
