Workers who form a union have legally protected rights that allow you to make democratic choices to better your lives and workplaces. Sometimes employers don’t like sharing power. As such, they may send negative misleading messages or sometimes even cross the line and attempt to intimidate or interfere in your rights. If you are facing any intimidation or interference in your rights get in contact with your CUPE organizer right away. We take very seriously ensuring your rights are upheld.
A union is YOU and YOUR CO-WORKERS coming together to improve your working conditions and have a collective voice.
Recently your co-workers came together because you have real issues that you want to address in the workplace. Remember that you are stronger together – with over 750 000 CUPE members across Canada.
What are my labour rights in Ontario?
Your right to join a union and participate in its activities – “freedom of association” – is in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In Ontario, these rights are also in the Labour Relations Act (LRA).
According to the LRA, you are protected from, among other things:
- Employer inference, coercion, or intimidation during a union organizing campaign;
- Interference in the formation or administration of a union;
- Interference with the union representing its members; and
- Discrimination because of union activity and / or union membership.
While the employer may share their opinion about your union organizing campaign, they are prohibited from:
- Asking whether someone has joined or is thinking of joining the union
- Asking about who participates in union meetings or activities
- Calling someone into the office or into a meeting to talk about the union;
- Asking about who supports or is part of the union organizing campaign
- Contacting employees outside of work to talk about the union;
- Asking about the status of the union organizing campaign
What if I am not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident?
In Ontario all workers are protected by labour laws, regardless of immigration status.
Your labour rights are not tied to citizenship or being a permanent resident. Being involved in forming a union cannot be used against you by your employer or during the immigration process.
Union = Collective Power:
Joining a union will give you protection while you are on the job and will help prevent your boss from being able to threaten your employment or threaten immigration status.
Facing intimidation or have questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact your CUPE organizer: Liisa Schofield lschofield@cupe.ca or 416-899-6445