If you are a worker in Toronto, or any other city in Ontario, it’s important for you to understand the benefits that can present themselves when you join a union. Currently, there are hundreds of unions that operate in a wide variety of industries, such as IUPAT, which focuses upon giving advantages to individuals who work as glaziers, drywall finishers, painters, plasterers and similar trades.
Four of the strongest reasons to join a union, if one is available to you, include the following:
- Wage Disputes are More Easily Settled – Workers who are non-union members sometimes feel at a distinct disadvantage when they come across wage disputes. As non-union workers, they must seek out a solicitor on their own, incurring fees as needed. However, a union member with a wage dispute has the opportunity to take the grievance to his or her union. If the dispute is deemed reasonable, legal proceedings may occur. These legal proceedings will be paid for from the union’s coffers, using union legal representatives.
- Negotiations for Terms of Employment are Handled at a Non-Individual Level – When you join a union, you become part of a team. That team negotiates on your behalf. That way, you don’t have to try to reach a settlement on your own; you’re always supported and backed by the union.
- You Get a Say in What the Union Does – Union members have voting rights, making the union a democratic way to organize workers. Therefore, your voice can always be heard when it comes to union elections, potential strikes or disputes, etc.
- Some Work Can Only Be Done by Union Members – In some cases, jobs that are available to workers are only available to those who are union members. This means people who are not part of a union may be at a disadvantage when it comes to how much they can make.
If you aren’t currently a member of a union, it’s a good idea to look into joining a union like the IUPAT. If you wish to get more information on IUPAT, contact their offices today.
