What unions do — and don't do
Lesson 2 of 8 in Union Basics for Newcomers · 22 minutes
Newcomers often arrive with strong opinions about unions formed in other countries. Canadian unions work differently. Here's the realistic picture — what they DO accomplish, and what they don't.
What you'll learn
- Identify the four main things unions do for members
- Recognise three things unions do NOT do
- Understand the trade-off — protections in exchange for following the agreement
From the lesson
Canadian unions are not the same as the unions you may have known in your home country. Strong, but professional. Negotiate, but rarely strike. Protect, but expect contribution. Read once and the next 8 lessons make sense.
The realistic picture
What unions DO
1) NEGOTIATE wages, hours, benefits, and working conditions through collective bargaining (typically every 3-5 years). 2) ENFORCE the collective agreement — when management breaks it, the union files grievances and represents you in arbitration. 3) ADVOCATE on safety, harassment, and accommodation — often more effective than going alone. 4) PROVIDE benefits — many Canadian unions provide additional health and dental coverage, education…