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. If at least 40% of the workers sign membership cards, the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) will hold a vote to confirm that workers want a union.
  4. The OLRB 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.
  5. Congrats! The union will serve notice to your employer to begin bargaining your first contract.

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

Join CUPE today 
Contact: cupeontarioorganizer@cupe.ca