Join Teamsters
Talk to an Organizer
Every question is welcome. Every conversation is confidential. Your employer will never know you reached out.
Learn More About Organizing Your Workplace
Every worker deserves fair wages, safe working conditions, job security and respect. Teamsters Local 31 will guide you and your co-workers through every step of forming a union.
Your questions and involvement will be kept strictly confidential.
Talk to an Organizer
Contact Teamsters Local 31 and ask to speak with Organizer Ben Hennessy.
Telephone: 604-527-2722 Toll Free: 1-877-BEUNION Email:
STEP 1
Find Support
Speak privately with co-workers you trust. Find out whether they share your workplace concerns and are interested in learning more about joining the Teamsters.
STEP 2
Talk to an Organizer
Contact Teamsters Local 31 and ask to speak with Organizer Ben Hennessy.
Telephone: 604-527-2722
Email:
We will answer your questions, explain your legal rights and help you determine the best way to move forward.
STEP 3
Build Your Committee
A small group of committed workers will form an organizing committee. Working with your organizer, the committee will identify workplace concerns and help determine which workers may be included in the bargaining unit.
STEP 4
Sign Teamsters Membership Cards
Committee members will speak with trusted co-workers about the benefits of Teamster representation and ask them to sign membership cards.
Organizing conversations and card signing should take place during personal time and away from work areas unless otherwise permitted. Membership cards are confidential and are not disclosed to the employer.
STEP 5
Apply for Certification
Once enough cards have been signed, Teamsters Local 31 will submit an application for certification to the appropriate labour board and represent the workers throughout the process.
How Much Support Is Required?
For most workplaces governed by the British Columbia Labour Relations Code:
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At least 45% of the workers must sign cards before the Union can apply.
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With 55% or more support, the Union may be certified without a vote.
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With at least 45% but less than 55% support, a secret-ballot vote will normally be conducted within five business days.
For workplaces governed by the Canada Labour Code:
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At least 35% of the workers must support the Union before an application can proceed.
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With more than 50% support, the Union may be certified without a vote.
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With between 35% and 50% support, the Canada Industrial Relations Board will order a representation vote.
Your Right to Organize Is Protected
Workers have the legal right to join a union and participate in lawful union activities. An employer cannot threaten, intimidate, discipline or discriminate against a worker for supporting a union.
Every organizing campaign is treated confidentially. Information will not be made public unless it is appropriate and supported by the workplace organizing committee.
Learn more about your rights and the certification process
Organizing is the heart of a strong Union—and the strongest organizers come from within our own ranks.