1. Workers contact the union and meet with a union organizer.
  2. Workers sign cards applying for membership in the union and authorizing the union to represent them in negotiations with their employer.
  3. To obtain certification, there are two possibilities:
    1. If at least 45% but less than 55% of the workers sign membership cards, the British Columbia Labour Relations Board (BCLRB) will hold a vote to see if workers want a union. (Go to step 4) OR
    2. If at least 55% of workers sign membership cards, the British Columbia Labour Relations Board (BCLRB) can certify the union without holding a vote. (Go directly to step 5)
  4. The Labour Board holds a secret ballot vote. Everyone 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.
  5. Congrats! The union will serve notice to the employer to begin bargaining your first contract.

The Labour Board keeps confidential the information on those who signed union cards. Employers never get to see the cards.

Join CUPE today 
Contact: Organizebc@cupe.ca