Frequently Asked Questions about unionization

What can the PSAC do for us?

The PSAC can give us a collective voice. This will give us respect and dignity at work.

Joining PSAC will permit us to collectively negotiate our working conditions, a contract which includes: internal job posting provisions, improves our health and benefit plan and provides fairer wages. We will also negotiate a grievance procedure and 'just cause' job protection clause. These are just a few things we will not only enjoy but we will have NEGOTIATED.

I like my job and get along with my supervisor. Why would I want a union?

Many of us like our jobs and enjoy good relationships with our supervisors. However, our working conditions and benefits are not secure as long as we don't have a union contract. Our supervisors can change, and our funding sources can shift. We want to make sure we keep the good things we have by negotiating a contract that meets everyone's needs. This can only be done with and by a union. Also, our supervisors have limited control over our working conditions. Many decisions about our working lives are made by the Employer. With a union, we will have a voice, which can and will influence those policies.

What about paying union dues?

Nobody can afford not to have a union. The improvements in pay and benefits which we can only win with a strong union will more than offset the dues we will pay - plus we will get the improved treatment and respect that comes with a union contract. No organization can be effective without financial support from its members to pay for services and supplies. Union members decide how to spend union dues. Decisions about the union's budget are made at conventions of delegates elected by the local unions. Elected local union delegates decide how much dues members pay. Union dues at the PSAC are approximately 1.44% of our gross salary and are tax deductible up to 40 % depending on your revenue.

What about our working conditions, what will happen to them?

Once the Union has applied for Certification, the Employer is legally required to negotiate with the union. Nearly every employer talks tough before workers organize. But it is in the employer's interest to keep the employees satisfied and keep the work flowing. So after we present our employer with reasonable contract proposals, a settlement is usually possible. If our employer really believes he won't have to agree to improvements, why is he fighting against the union?

More than half a million union members all over Ontario get better benefits, not worse. We will decide by democratic vote what to ask for in our contract and whether or not to accept what is offered to us. So no one from the outside could possibly "trade away" benefits we want to keep. What we win in our contract will depend on what we have to start with and how actively we participate in the union. If unions really lead to worse benefits, why doesn't our employer want to get the union in now so he can start saving money?

If you have any questions or if you want to sign your card, please contact:

Christopher Wilson
Organizer, Ontario Region
416-485-3558 ext. 230
1-800-354-9086