In CUPE the members are in charge. Each CUPE local decides its priorities for bargaining, when to settle a new contract, and how to manage funds.
CUPE’s strength comes from individual members working toward common goals. Together we maintain and improve wages and benefits, improve health and safety conditions, and make your workplace better.
In every province, workers have the right to join a union and choose a union to represent them when dealing with their employer. See the Five Steps to Certification below.
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The local certification process is confidential. Employers are not entitled to know who signed cards. Votes are held by secret ballot.
5 steps to local union certification in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Workers contact the union and meet with a union organizer.
- Workers sign cards applying for membership in the union, and authorizing the union to represent them in negotiations with their employer. There is no charge to sign a CUPE membership card in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- If at least 40% of the workers sign membership cards, the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Relations Board will hold a vote to see if workers want a union.*
- The LRB holds a secret ballot vote. Anyone who is in the bargaining unit the union applied to represent can vote. If the majority (50%+1) of workers who cast ballots vote to unionize, the union is certified.
- The union will serve notice to your employer to begin bargaining your first contract.
* If at least 65% of workers sign membership cards, the LRB will certify the union without holding a vote. Go to step 5.