Unions

1. Unions Organizing the Workforce

2. Terms to Know Trade Union: A group of workers who form an organization to bargain collectively with employers to improve working conditions, benefits, and wages Strike: Withdrawal of labour by workers during negotiations for a contract, a tactic designed to pressure employers to reach a new agreement Collective Bargaining: A process in which individual workers in a union negotiate a contract between the union and the employer covering their wages, hours or work, and working conditions.

3. Labour Unions Labour Unions in Canada have a rich history of organizing people in the workplace in order to protect their rights Trade Unions emerged in the early 19th century Employers resisted Unions because it cut down on their freedom Trade Unions act as bargaining units for all employees in the Union 1870’s marked the first efforts to establish a national organization of workers The Trades Union Act in 1872 made it legal for collective bargaining Membership in Unions fluctuated from 1873-1893, due to the issues that came with being a Union Supporter. There were still no laws to force employers to bargain collectively. Strikes began increasing and in 1907, there was a serious striking problem. The Industrial Disputes Investigation Act was passed in 1907, which prohibited workers from striking, but was declared unconstitutional in 1925

4. The Winnipeg General Strike Happened in 1919 Considered one of the most significant events in the labour movement in Canada because of its demonstration of worker solidarity A movement in Western Canada to from One Big Union (OBU) to unite all workers in all trades, both skilled and unskilled. On May 15, 1919, over 30,000 workers in Winnipeg (at the time, the 3rd largest city in Canada) walked off their jobs in support of fellow workers. On June 17, the Federal Government ordered the arrest of 10 Labour leaders. On June 21, 2 people were killed and 30 were injured with a violent clash with police. This was known as “Bloody Saturday.” The Strike ended 2 weeks later.

5. Collective Bargaining Act Happened in 1943 Passed in Ontario Set up a mean to get Unions and Employers to bargain collectively Disputes were settled in Ontario Labour Court

6. Unionized Vs Non-Unionized Union Non-Union Wages, hours, and working conditions set by collective agreement Workers may grieve dismissal or layoff and, if successful, may be reinstated Layoff, promotion, benefits, vacation, and scheduling usually subject to seniority Pay union dues in exchange for fair representation Each individual negotiations own wages, hours, and working conditions subject to minimums and floors set out in Employment Standards Act Workers may be dismissed and be paid an amount equivalent to pay for a reasonable notice period. No right to reinstatement Employers may lay off or promote whomever they want Lawsuits at employees expense Employee has little leverage in negotiations No dues paid