Should I Join A Union? Maybe. But Do Your Homework

Toronto Labour Lawyer Brian Bell: In these tough economic times, some non-union employees who have lost their jobs may have stated, “I should have had a union,” or words to that effect.

While employers today may be taking every opportunity to gain concessions from unionized employees - which in some cases leads to closings - some employees might determine that their best response is to sign up with respective locals.

Firstly, let me say that choosing to belong to a union is the employees' choice. But whatever your decision, be informed before you make that choice. There are positives and negatives to the union route, and you should educate yourself about them.

Recently, I received a call from a man I'll call Rick. Several months prior to the call, Rick had signed the appropriate documentation to become a union member. He said a union representative had laid out all of the benefits of joining the union. It sounded good to Rick, and he signed on.

Unfortunately, after Rick had signed the document, the promises failed to materialize. Rick now wanted to “de-certify” from the union. He was somewhat surprised when he found out that the de-certification process was not so easy. In fact, for a case like Rick's, quashing his certification at that time was not even possible.

For all those in the workplace, know what you are getting into. Be informed. By doing so, you can make reasonable decisions that best suit your needs.

Brian Bell is a Labour and Employment Lawyer with Pace Law Firm in Toronto.