The ABCs of Unions A dvantages B enefits C ollective Agreements Maureen Hynes School of Labour

Outcomes 1.Identify the functions of unions 3.Understand the laws that cover employers’ rights and unions’ rights during an organizing campaign 4.Understand your rights as a unionized vs a non-unionized employee 5.Identify some of the advantages of belonging to a union 6.Explain the structure of the union movement

Functions of unions 1) NEGOTIATE collective agreements 2) DEFEND the collective agreement 3) ORGANIZE new workers into the union 4) COMMUNICATE & EDUCATE their members 5) RESEARCH the economy in general, and their sectors of the economy in particular (transportation, steel, auto, clerical, public services, etc) 6) ADVOCATE on issues that affect everyone in the community

Challenges for Canadian Unions Economic and political restructuring Globalization and regional integration Corporate & state attacks on union rights Deep reorganization of labour market Transformation of work Precarious employment

UNION GAINS – MONETARY These are some of the benefits that unions have struggled to win for all Canadian workers: RIGHT TO ORGANIZE JOB SECURITY MINIMUM WAGES PAID VACATIONS WORKERS’ COMPENSATION HEALTH & SAFETY LEGISLATION LIMIT TO HOURS OF WORK CANADA PENSION PLAN OVERTIME PAY SEVERANCE PAY COST OF LIVING RAISES MATERNITY LEAVE

UNION GAINS – SOCIAL Union contributions to Canadian social policy: Compulsory public education Ban on child labour Childcare Medicare Social housing and rent control Public ownership of essential services (railways, transit, water, hydro, telephone, fire departments) Guaranteed annual incomes, welfare, food allowance Extending the vote Human rights, pay equity Unemployment insurance