Is Your Workplace Unionized?

If your workplace is already unionized with us, you should have received a membership application during your orientation—if not, please reach out to us. If your workplace is not yet unionized, we can work with you to make it happen.

How to Unionize Your Workplace

Start by filling out a membership card.

Joining the union is straightforward, but it involves completing three important steps. First, fill out a membership card. Then, we build support from your coworkers. Finally, cast your vote to make it official. All three steps must be completed to unionize your workplace. Let’s walk through the process together.

Step 1: Fill out a union membership card

Joining a union in Alberta starts with signing a membership card—a simple yet essential step in gaining union representation. This card is your formal way of saying, “I’m ready to join!”. Your membership card is kept completely confidential and is only shared with the union and the Alberta Labour Relations Board. Connect with us to start unionizing your workplace.

Step 2: Gather Support

Once you’ve signed a membership card, the next step is gathering support from your coworkers. To move forward, at least 40% of the employees at your workplace need to sign cards. Once 40% of employees or more in your workplace have signed cards, the union can apply to the Alberta Labour Relations Board (ALRB) to request a vote. This vote allows everyone to decide whether they want to officially form a union. Why Does Support Matter? The 40% requirement helps show that enough employees are interested in forming a union before moving forward. It prevents holding votes when support is too low, saving time and resources for everyone involved, including the employer and the labour relations board.

Step 3: Vote

Once 40% or more of your coworkers have signed membership cards, the union can request a vote from the Alberta Labour Relations Board (ALRB). This vote decides whether your workplace will officially unionize. The process is quick and secure—conducted electronically through a secret ballot, ensuring your privacy. If a majority of employees (50% + 1) vote yes, your union is certified. From that point on, your employer must negotiate with your union on all working conditions, and your union will be there to support you whenever issues arise.

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.

We understand that joining can feel like a big step, and we’re happy to answer any questions you have. Your privacy and security are our priority, and all the information you provide is kept confidential.

Our union is open to workers from a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, transportation, casinos, and many more. If you're looking for support, representation, and fair treatment, you may be eligible to join. To see a full list of industries we cover, click here.

The greatest benefit to joining the UBC would be negotiating power! You and your coworkers will finally have a voice to help shape your workplace with the full support of UBC by your side. The UBC also gives you FREE access to training opportunities, in-house lawyers, local representatives who are on call to support you, and so much more.

You, as an employee, will be able to decide what important changes need to happen, from higher wages, greater benefits, pension plans, scheduling, premiums and so on. This is one of the reasons why most companies do not like the idea of Unions. Your voice will be heard, and you will finally have a say! These changes would be legally binding in a Collective Agreement, so there would be no more broken promises by the Company.

The process begins with signing a membership card, which only takes a few minutes. After that, the focus shifts to gathering support from your coworkers, with at least 40% of them needing to sign cards. The timeline for this step can vary depending on the size of your workplace and how quickly coworkers get involved. Union representatives work at a pace that respects your time while ensuring everyone has the information they need to make an informed decision. Once 40% of employees have signed, an electronic vote will be scheduled by the Alberta Labour Relations Board, typically within 13 business days, to finalize the process.

Signing a membership card is an important first step toward union representation, but it doesn’t make you a union member right away. It’s part of a process that includes a workplace vote to decide if unionization will proceed. Your signed card contributes to the collective effort to show interest and gather support for forming a union.

Once at least 40% of employees in your workplace have signed cards, the union can apply to the Alberta Labour Relations Board (ALRB) to request a vote. For the union to be certified, a majority of employees—50% plus 1—must vote in favour.

No, your employer won’t know you’ve signed a membership card unless you choose to share that information. Membership cards are confidential and only shared with the ALRB to verify the threshold.

Union organizers and supportive employees share information about the benefits of unionizing and answer questions from coworkers. Through conversations, resources, and examples of union successes, they encourage others to sign membership cards.

It’s okay to have questions or need time to decide. Union representatives are here to provide information, listen to your concerns, and help you make an informed decision.

The timeline can vary depending on the size of the workplace and the level of interest. Union representatives work at a pace that respects employees’ time and ensures everyone has the information they need. (NOTE: Cards are only good for one year from the date of signing.)

If the threshold isn’t met, the union cannot proceed with a vote. However, the organizing effort doesn’t end—it’s an opportunity to address concerns, provide more information, and continue building support.

The vote is conducted electronically, so you can participate conveniently from anywhere.

The vote will happen typically within 13 business days after the union submits the signed membership cards to the Alberta Labour Relations Board.

The vote is done through a secret ballot. This means that no one—neither your employer nor the union—will know how you voted. Your individual choice is completely confidential. You will mark your vote privately, and only the overall results of the vote will be shared. This process ensures you can make your decision freely and without pressure.

Yes, signing a membership card doesn’t commit you to voting yes. You’re free to make your decision during the vote.

Ready to take the next step?
Let’s talk about how a union can work for you.