1. Workers contact the union and meet with a union organizer.
  2. Workers sign union cards applying for membership in the union, and authorizing the union to represent them in negotiations with their employer. PEI labour law requires CUPE to collect $2 from each worker when they sign a membership card.
  3. If less than a majority of workers sign membership cards, the PEI Labour Relations Board (PEILRB) may hold a vote to see if workers want a union.
  4. The PEILRB 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.
  5. The union will serve notice to your employer to begin bargaining your first contract.

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

Join CUPE today 
Contact: Maritimeorganizer@cupe.ca