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. Federal labour law requires CUPE to collect $5 from each worker when they sign a membership card.
  3. If at least 35 per cent of the workers sign membership cards, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) will hold a vote to see if workers want a union. * If more than 50 per cent of the workers sign membership cards, the CIRB can also certify the union without holding a vote. Go to step 5.

* If more than 50 per cent of the workers sign membership cards, the CIRB can also certify the union without holding a vote. Go to step 5.

  In some cases, the CIRB will also hold a vote when more than 50 per cent of the workers sign cards. Go to step 4.

  1. The CIRB holds a secret ballot vote. Anyone who is in the bargaining unit the union applied to represent can vote. If the majority of workers who cast ballots vote to unionize, the union is certified.
  2. The union will serve notice to your employer to begin bargaining your first contract.

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

Join CUPE today 
Contact: Federalorganizer@cupe.ca