"A union is a membership-based workers’ organization that leads and is empowered by the voice and goals of its members. A union negotiates collective bargaining agreements that govern members’ working conditions, pay, benefits, and scheduling.”

Everything About Unions | UFCW Canada - Canada’s Private Sector Union (2024)

The purpose of a union is to negotiate and enforce a collective agreement (CA) with an employer on behalf of its worker members. Typically, CAs are in force for a limited period (e.g., 1-4 years) before lapsing. Unions strive to improve wages, benefits, and working conditions for their members with each round of bargaining. Unions act to counterbalance an organization’s management, whose aims may not be fully aligned with those of their employees. CAs provide members with rights and protections that they might not receive in a non-unionized environment.

For generations, unions fought for worker benefits that eventually became law; unions have aided not only their own worker members, but society at large. Legal changes first demanded by unions are now commonly enjoyed including: minimum wage, an eight-hour work day, a five-day work week, overtime pay, paid vacations, breaks, sick leave, child labour laws, parental leaves, protections against discrimination and harassment, and workplace health and safety regulations.

Membership dues are pooled as a resource to benefit all members. These funds pay for the costs of bargaining and enforcing Collective Agreements, including fair hiring practices, compensation protection, and benefits. Through bargaining surveys and direct contact via email or meetings, members have a voice in decisions negotiated on their behalf as part of a larger employee group. Dues also ensure that members have the necessary financial support in the event of a grievance, arbitration, or strike. In short, dues paid by all members ensure that every member is supported if or when a need arises.