Changes to Union Certification in B.C., Employee Rights: 980 CKNW

Interview Summary

The United Steelworkers union has filed with the B.C labour board to unionize a Starbucks store in Surrey B.C. Many employees across the province have considered the process of unionization. What advantages are there for employees looking to unionize?

A Vancouver employment and disability lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, spoke with Jill Bennett on 980 CKNW to answer this question and more on employee rights.

Interview Notes

• Protections offered to workers in a union: A major benefit to being part of a union is the strength in numbers. By unionizing there is a shift in the balance of power. A downside to being unionized is when an employee is terminated, there are fewer options available in terms of legal recourse as the only representation available to an employee is their union.
• Less chance of termination once in a union: Being in a unionized workplace can force an employer to deliberate more carefully before terminating an employee. Usually, employees in a union are able to negotiate a better benefits package and if needed can contact an employment lawyer when dealing with issues surrounding long-term disability.
• The information available to workers before unionizing: Ultimately it will depend on the individual group of employees, employers and union involved before unionization. In non-union settings, companies can approach issues in vastly different ways.