1 – Workers contact the union and meet with a union organizer.
2 – Workers sign cards applying for membership in the union
3 – If at least 40 per cent of the workers sign membership cards, the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) will hold a vote to see if workers want a union.
4 – The OLRB holds a secret ballot vote. Anyone who is in the bargaining unit 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.
6 – Shortly after the certification order is issued by the OLRB, you can begin to formulate priorities with your coworkers so you can begin the process of negotiating with the Employer for your first collective agreement. You will elect a negotiations committee of your coworkers who will be trained and supported by experienced CUPE staff. You will also begin to set up your local democracy.
