Labor Unions

Many workers belong to labour unions. Unions are dedicated to enhancing workers wellbeing and workplace environments. Usually one’s first contact with a union occurs when he/she joins a unionized workplace and is provided workplace information or when a workplace is subject to a union organization drive.

The governing laws of labour and labour unions can be very complicated. Therefore, one should make an effort to learn about one rights with respect to both the union and management perspective in any new employment situation before issues develop.

We have listed legal terminology concerning labour unions that will provide you a basic guideline towards understanding such organizations.

• Union Contracts
  If your employees belong to a union they have probably signed a union contract, otherwise known as a “collective bargaining agreement”, with you the employer. The union contract stipulates wages, working conditions and procedures for on-the-job complications.

• Is the employer obliged to provide his employees a copy of the union contract?
  Usually the terms and conditions of the union contract stipulate you having to provide at least one copy to the employee.

• Can the employer fire an employee that belongs to a labor union?
  Most union contracts stipulate in the “Grievance Procedure” or “Discipline” section that employees can be fired, suspended or disciplined under the flag of “good cause”. Should you fire or discipline an employee without him agreeing that it had a “good cause” the employee will contact the labor union of which the union might file a “grievance” for the employee against you.

• What about non-union workers?
  If an employee is not a member of a labor union he or she is in most cases still covered as labour unions bargains to protect and cover all employees working for that particular employer. However, the worker will still pay the union a fee for negotiating his or her contract.

Should you have any questions about labor unions, union contracts and grievance procedures please contact Law Protection Inc for legal assistance and advice.