Joining the GCC/IBT

The first step toward exercising your right to a better working life is the GCC/IBT membership application. This card does not automatically make you a union member. By signing the application (and paying a small fee in some provinces), you indicate that you want the GCC/IBT to represent you in collective bargaining.

When enough people (the percentage varies according to provincial laws) where you work have signed up with the union, we can then apply for certification. Certification gives you and the union bargaining rights. These rights mean that your employer would be required by law to negotiate fairly and in good faith with your negotiating committee with respect to wages, benefits, and other conditions of employment.

Confidentiality

At no time will your employer find out who signed union membership application cards. Labour boards and the GCC/IBT treat these application cards as strictly confidential.

Who can join

The group of employees that can join the union is referred to as the bargaining unit. The bargaining unit can vary from plant to plant, but labour boards generally describe them as all employees except owners, non-working foremen, sales, office, and managerial staff.

Certification

Once the required number of employees in your plant has applied for membership in the GCC/IBT, we will apply to the provincial labour board for certification. The board will notify your employer and set a date for a hearing. An official notice will be posted in your workplace informing all employees of the application.

Your shop may be certified by one of two methods. In most provinces, the labour board will examine the membership applications and determine whether a majority desire union representation (the percentage varies from province to province). If so, it will then certify the GCC/IBT as your union representative. In other provinces, the labour board will, after examination of the membership applications, conduct an election among the employees. Once a majority (50 percent plus 1) have voted for union representation, the labour board will certify the GCC/IBT as your union representative.

In either case, once the GCC/IBT is certified, your employer is required by law to negotiate in good faith to the conclusion of a collective bargaining agreement.