Congratulations on taking the first step toward improving your life at work. Every year, thousands of working people like you in this country join unions. They join because they want respect & dignity on the job, better wages and benefits, increased job security, and control over their own work.
Do you think you deserve better pay and more benefits for the work you do? Do you think your boss should treat you fairly and with respect? Do you think you should have more say at work? So do we.
CAW Local 199 is committed to protecting and extending workers' rights both in the workplace and in the community. Thousands of working people in Niagara already know the advantages of CAW membership first-hand. Since our birth in 1937 we have helped workers make positives changes in their workplaces and we would love the opportunity to do the same for you.
Initially we just want to provide you withsome information to help you decide if you want a union. Before you move on to the links below it is important that you know this is a confidential process; we will not contact you unless you request us to do so.
Do I Need a Union?
Do unionized workers get paid more?
Do unionized workers get more benefits?
What is the Union Advantage?
Tell me about the CAW and its resources.
Frequently Asked Question about joining a union FAQ's?
Top Ten Reasons to Join the Union
I have decided I want to join a union; how do I make this happen?
Who can I talk to?
Unionized workers get paid more
The Union Wage Advantage in 2002 Median Hourly Wage of All Paid Employees
What these numbers say:
- Unionized workers make from 7 -81 percent more than non-unionized workers.
- The union advantage exists in every sector of the economy.
| |
Union-covered |
Non-Union |
Wage
Advantage |
Advantage
as % of
Non-Union |
All
|
$19.60 |
$13.80 |
$5.80 |
42.0% |
Men
|
$20.63 |
$15.50 |
$5.13 |
33.1% |
Women
|
$18.29 |
$12.00 |
$6.29 |
52.4% |
Public Sector
|
$21.07 |
$18.76 |
$2.31 |
12.3% |
Private Sector
|
$17.50 |
$13.33 |
$4.17 |
31.3% |
Natural/Applied Sciences
|
$25.00 |
$23.45 |
$1.55 |
6.6% |
Clerical
|
$17.84 |
$13.22 |
$4.62 |
34.9% |
Retail Sales and Cashiers
|
$10.76 |
$8.25 |
$2.51 |
30.4% |
Chefs/Cooks
|
$13.50 |
$8.85 |
$4.65 |
52.5% |
Protective Services
|
$21.68 |
$12.00 |
$9.68 |
80.7% |
Child Care/Home Support
|
$15.31 |
$10.00 |
$5.31 |
53.1% |
Construction Trades
|
$23.00 |
$15.00 |
$8.00 |
53.3% |
Machine Operators/Assemblers
|
$17.73 |
$13.50 |
$4.23 |
31.3% |
Source: Andrew Jackson, “In Solidarity: The Union Advantage”, Canadian Labour Congress, Research Paper #27 , July 2003.
Unionized workers get more Benefits
Benefits Coverage: Union vs. Non-Union What these numbers say:
- Unionized workers and their families are far more likely to receive benefits than non-unionized workers.
- Unionized workers have better healthcare, dental care, and economic security than non-unionized workers.
|
Medical Plan |
Dental
Plan |
Life/Disability
Insurance |
Pension
Plan |
All Employees
|
57.4% |
53.1% |
52.5% |
43.3% |
Unionized
|
83.7% |
76.3% |
78.2% |
79.9% |
Non-Union
|
45.4% |
42.6% |
40.8% |
26.6% |
Source: Andrew Jackson, “In Solidarity: The Union Advantage”, Canadian Labour Congress, Research Paper #27 , July 2003.
I have decided I want to join a union; how do I make this happen?
Step #1: Let’s Talk
Call or email the CAW Organizing Department. Let’s start communicating about the issues that are facing you at work and how we can help out. All communication is confidential.
Step #2: Tell us about your workplace
There are a few things that we will need to know about your workplace. Such as:
- How many employees?
- What are the different job classifications at your workplace?
- Does your store/company have other shops or distribution lines in the area?
- What percentage of your coworkers would initially be excited about a union? How many would be neutral or opposed? Do you think your coworkers at work need to know more about unions?
- What are the issues at your workplace?
Don't worry if you don't have all this information when you contact us. We can work together to find out more about your employer.
Step # 3: Work with the CAW to develop a plan.
265, 000 workers can’t be wrong! Contact the CAW today.
Who Can I talk to?
If you would like more information about joining the CAW you can call and talk to either John or Ron or e-mail either ofthem. Don't forget this is a confidential process.
For your convenicen you can contact us by this form below:
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