The union edge
Being in a union is about having the power to win in ways that make life better at work and at home.
“Our “hero pay” was cut while the pandemic was still raging. Profits had doubled, and we were still at risk showing up at work everyday. So I joined my union’s negotiating committee. We won a $2.30 raise and better benefits for 12,000 workers, and no-one could take that away. Being union means being able to demand, and win, the respect you deserve.”
– Natasha Grey, Grocery Store Worker, Member, United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Canada Local 1006A
Being in a union means earning better wages.
It’s a fact.
Being in a union means earning better wages–even more so for women and young workers.
- Unionized workers make $7 more an hour–28% more–than non-unionized workers.
- Unionized women make $7.69 more an hour–34% more–than non-unionized women.
- Unionized young workers (aged 15 to 24 years) make $5.48 more an hour–33.2% more–than their non-unionized counterparts.
“I know lots of people my age who are paid much less for doing the exact same work I do. Being unionized really does make a big difference!”
Being in a union means better benefits.
“Having benefits like dental and prescription coverage for my entire family makes a huge difference in our lives: it’s much easier for us to make ends meet. Being able to access physio and massage therapy has saved my back from long hours on the road getting to my patients. And that means I can stay on the job.”
– Dorine Agendia, Registered Homecare Nurse and member of International Association of Machinists (IAM)
It’s a fact.
Better benefits mean better access to services like physiotherapy or mental health professionals, better leave to help with starting and raising a family, and more support when you’re injured.
- More than 80% of unionized workers have supplemental health or dental care, compared to just 56% of non-unionized workers.
- Almost 70% of union workers have maternity or parental benefits, compared to just 40% of non-union workers.
- Almost 74% of union workers have disability insurance, compared to only 46% of non-union workers.
- 76.7% of unionized workers have access to workers’ compensation, compared to only 51.4% of non-unionized workers.
“Having disability insurance meant I could still make the rent while I was going through cancer treatments. I honestly don’t know how I would have stayed in my home without that.”
Being in a union means better sick leave.
It’s a fact.
Nobody should have to choose between going into work sick or losing wages.
- 78% of union workers have access to paid sick leave, compared to just 53% of non-union workers.
“During the pandemic I saw too many of my coworkers coming in sick because they couldn’t afford not to. Once we formed our union we won more paid sick days, and we just don’t have to make that awful choice anymore.”
Being in a union means a better retirement.
“I’ve met too many women who have had to retire into poverty, especially back home in Nova Scotia. Being part of my union means I have a workplace pension I can count on and I can breathe a little easier about my own future.”
– Sharon Paris, Postal Worker, Member of Canadian Union Of Postal Workers (CUPW)
“I know too many women who have been forced to retire in poverty. Having a workplace pension means I can breathe a little easier about my own future.”
It’s a fact.
Everyone should be able to plan and save for retirement.
- More than 80% of union workers have access to a workplace pension plan, compared to just 36% of non-union workers.
What’s the union edge where you live?
See the union difference where you live. For example, unionized workers in Prince Edward Island make about $9.79 more an hour–49% more–than non-union workers.
| Province | Non-union | Union | Difference | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $23.40 | $30.78 | $7.38 | 32% |
| Prince Edward Island | $19.87 | $29.65 | $9.79 | 49% |
| Nova Scotia | $22.06 | $29.31 | $7.24 | 33% |
| New Brunswick | $21.22 | $29.45 | $8.22 | 39% |
| Quebec | $24.77 | $29.13 | $4.37 | 18% |
| Ontario | $27.11 | $32.68 | $5.57 | 21% |
| Manitoba | $23.08 | $29.21 | $6.13 | 27% |
| Saskatchewan | $26.02 | $31.26 | $5.24 | 20% |
| Alberta | $30.18 | $34.68 | $4.49 | 15% |
| British Columbia | $26.67 | $31.48 | $4.82 | 18% |
How it works
No matter where you work or live, you can start a union with these simple steps.
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Get help to get into a union
Get the help you need to successfully get into a union in your workplace.
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