Introduction
We consider that all workers are important, deserve fair chances and opportunities. Our strong belief resides in our ability to service and protect our members. Together, we are leading the labour movement and making a difference for the working class.
This guide will offer the tools and knowledge about what it means to be a Teamster.
What Is A Union?
• A sense of protection and security at work.
• Greater good to society and the economy.
• A community of workers that share the same interests as you.
• A team of members that fight for fair working conditions.
What Is A Union?
A Group That Matters
The Teamsters believe that everyone should grow financially and progress individually. However, the workforce is changing, due to increased competition and globalization; so, our labour rights are being threatened and reduced to serve businesses with little regard for the working class. The Teamsters are made up of members that come together to fight for changes. We make a difference.
Our healthcare system, Labour Laws, education, pensions and social support are good examples of benefits we have collectively gained as a Union. These gains have allowed all Canadian workers to improve their lives and reach individual goals. As a group, we support the greatest number of workers so they can benefit from a quality of life.
You are now part of the Teamsters, a group that matters.
“The Teamsters is a union 100% dedicated to our members.” -Teamsters Canada
What Is A Union?
A Community That Takes Action
Taking action means to participate and care about what happens to the membership. Our workers take powerful actions in the workplace and challenge traditional models in society. When we come together to change and improve our work conditions, we get fair results.
Becoming a Teamster means to be part of a strong community of workers. The strength of the membership is to unite and share ideas on how to improve the workplace. The foundation of a Union is to take actions that create bonds with other members!
“As a Teamster, you are part of a community that takes actions to improve what concerns you.” -Teamsters Canada
What Is A Union?
A Quality of Life
Being employed allows you to support your basic needs, but being unionized offers a better quality of life.
We come into the workforce to gain financial stability and security. We all want to be able to fulfill future plans and needs, to progress and provide for ourselves and our families. More importantly, we care about our health and our safety.
As Teamsters members, we secure these goals by negotiating good wages, benefits and workplace protection. We empower our members so they can have better choices and opportunities at work and in their personal lives. The Teamsters protect and defend what is important to you.
“The Teamsters is about being fair. Not having less.” -Teamsters Canada
What’s in it for You?
• An opportunity to voice your opinion.
• The Labour rights listed in your collective bargaining agreement.
• Protection at work.
• Strong representation to promote fairness in the workplace.
• Respect and dignity from your peers and employer.
What’s in it for You?
Your Rights and Labour Protection
Canadian Labour Laws and Regulations offer a minimum to protect employees. They establish basic rights and sets limitations on how freely managers can treat workers. The Teamsters provide more than the basic rights and strive to collectively improve your working conditions.
In your workplace, you are protected by a contract signed between your Teamsters union and the employer. It ensures that Labour Laws are being followed, and that our advantages and benefits are protected. These rights are negotiated into a written contract called the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Improvements in the CBA may include:
• Fair wages
• Benefits
• Respect
• Shift preference
• Parental leave
• Safe workplace
• Sick leave
Why is the CBA important?
• Vacations
• Fair working hours
• Seniority
• Paid overtime
• Pension support
• Harassment free environment
• And more…
The CBA is necessary to maintain harmony, productivity, respect and dignity at work. If we follow the rules, we can all get along. So read your CBA and know your rights!
What’s in it for You? A Strong
Spokesperson and Representation
Good representation is important for a strong community of workers. Teamster has a support system that benefits all members.
Your Workplace
There is a support team that guides and support the membership. This team is made up of Shop Stewards and a Union Representative. Together, they promote fairness in the workplace and empower the membership.
Your Shop Stewards
Shop Stewards are passionate unionized workers, dedicated to counsel and help their co-workers.
If you choose to become a Shop Steward, your role would involve:
• Being a leader.
• Informing and educating the member ship.
• Being a great spokesperson that defends and unites the membership.
• Maintaining a good relationship between the members and the employer.
• Ensuring that Labour Laws and the CBA are respected.
When we support our Shop Stewards
we give them the power to better represent the membership.
Your Union (Rep)resentative
Teamsters Local Union Reps are also part of the support team. They service the members and support the Shop Steward. The responsibility of your Union Rep includes:
• Being experts in labour relations
• Have access to lawyers, accountants and all the resources needed to defend and protect the membership.
• Resolving labour disputes and being great negotiators.
• Hold meetings that offer about current news.
Together, Shop Stewards and Union Reps offer a service of counselling and protection.
Your Local Union
Local Unions are the hub of the organization. They represent thousands of members from various industries in different regions. They inform and connect with their membership through your Union Rep.
Your Joint Council
Joint Councils voice the concerns and demands of members on a regional level. They are constantly in communication with Local Unions.
They do the challenging and rewarding tasks of developing strategies, campaigns and activities that raise awareness.
Teamsters Canada
With a shared vision of improving the lives of all Canadians, Teamsters regroups Lawyers, Council Leaders, Lobbyists, Organizers, Communication Agents and Trainers throughout the country. Our daily actions and engagements are fuelled by the concerns and interests of our Canadian workers.
With the knowledge and expertise of our Shop Stewards, Union Reps, Local Unions, Joint Councils and Teamsters Canada, we strongly represent our members.
When Things go Wrong
• Know your CBA!
• Try to resolve the issue with your immediate supervisor.
• Write down what took place.
• Contact your Shop Steward as soon as possible.
• File a grievance when your rights are violated and the problem won’t resolve.
• Understand the power of negotiating.
“As a Teamster you have a voice and your concerns matter.”
-Teamsters Canada
When Things go Wrong
Solving Workplace Problems
So you were given an unjustified written notice; or your seniority was not respected. You were treated unfairly; or experienced instances of harassment, favoritism or abuse. These are examples of labour rights being ignored. The Teamsters understand that work conflicts between employers and workers can be difficult. A Teamsters support system is there to respond by taking the following steps.
Discuss the situation with a manager first.
Speak to your immediate supervisor about work issues. A manager/ supervisor should attempt to resolve the problem when it occurs. When issues cannot be clarified or resolved, follow the next step.
Write
down what took place (including the date, time, and witnesses)
Since we all have different interpretations, remembering instances and events are important. So, when you write down what took place, it gives your side of the story consistency and credibility.
If nothing is resolved, find more options with your Shop Steward.
How you feel is important and your Shop Steward is there to listen. They may attempt to rectify the problem directly with an employer; and if it cannot be resolved, your Shop Steward may file a grievance to rectify it.
When Things go Wrong
The Grievance Procedure
File a grievance when the labour rights are not respected.
Remember, all problems are worth discussing, but a violation of your rights is worth filing a grievance for unresolved issues. The grievance is a procedure that involves your Shop Steward or a Union Rep taking your complaint even further.
Filing a grievance is a legal process defending you and our membership. Although, we wish it differently, workers go through these challenges in every industry. The importance of filing a grievance corrects the errors that the employers make when they neglect or ignore our CBA (and Labour Laws). A grievance is the last option to rectify a problem between you and your employer. In some cases, your grievance may be referred to an arbitrator for a final and binding decision.
When Things go Wrong
The Power of Negotiations
The negotiation process is where our demands are voiced, and our work conditions are improved.
Negotiating is important when solving workplace problems and improving our conditions in the CBA. The negotiation process is where the needs of our workers are heard by the employer.
When the membership comes together to bring forth all their concerns, they find solutions and ideas to make their environment safe and secure. The power of negotiations comes from the ability to collectively express our views.
Your Union Rep and Shop Stewards are involved in the process, and it is with the support of the members that we can get the best possible outcome.
Lockout and strike
When we bargain for a better Collective Agreement (CBA), the negotiation process can be very challenging.
When both parties can’t find a solution, there could be an employer lockout or a collective strike voted by the membership. In both situations, employees would stop working.
Since The Teamsters have many resources; access to lawyers, financial expertise, education and research information, we come prepared to support the membership during a lockout or strike.
Why are we so Strong?
• A strong and diverse membership.
• We represent different industries.
• A powerful organization and structure.
• Ability to support and service our members.
• Resources to defend and protect our members.
Why are we so Strong?
The Strength of Teamsters’ Organization and Structure
The strength of our union is our membership.
We represent a variety of workers from different industries, gender, ethnicities and religions across the country. We represent over 125,000 members in Canada and 1.3 million members across North America. Our diversity and unity allows us to move forward and be at the forefront of all labour challenges.
The strength of our structure is our ability to support. Our Union Leaders are experts in labour relations which allow us to provide good services that support our membership. We respond by being present and attentive.
Our strength comes from our supporting affiliate.
The IBT (International Brotherhood of Teamsters) work with us to improve working conditions, and human rights issues that concern all Canadians.
The strength of our structure is our economic power.
We are a non-profit organization. So your membership dues (tax deductible) allow the Union to support and defend our workers. Every action done by a Teamster is for the benefit of the members.
“Teamsters: Standing strong for over a century.”
-Teamsters Canada
The Horses and the Wheel
• Our logo and history
• Our role and the labour movement.
The Horses and the Wheel
Our Logo and history
The Teamsters history represents the challenges, hard work and the perseverance of our workers. In the early 1900’s, labour conditions were appalling. Since labour rights, health and security were not a priority for employers; workers were exposed to unsafe and contaminated environments. There were many injuries, sicknesses and loss. Our workers came together to change these conditions. It was their solidarity and pride that organized, regrouped and demanded for fair treatment, fair wages, and regulations for health and safety. The Teamsters were there, and our workers fought back.
Our logo reflects this victory and accomplishment. The two horse represent the merge of two unions in the transportation industry. Team Drivers International Union (formed in 1899) and the Teamsters National Union of America (formed in 1902). They united in 1903 to improve working conditions for drivers and warehouse workers. The wheel in our logo represents the buggy carrying goods. A Teamster was the driver that drove a team of horses.
Teamsters have enhanced the working conditions and the quality life for many workers for over a century. We are an unstoppable wheel going the right direction, we are the engine of change.
“The Teamsters history is about courage and perseverance.” -Teamsters Canada
The Horses and the Wheel
The Teamsters leading the Labour Movement
The Labour movement is nationwide. It consists of people that care about the working class and the challenges they face. The Teamsters have been a big part of this movement since the 1900’s. We are constantly making the changes necessary to help Canadian workers. With the help of our affiliates, numerous collective organizations and various committees we are doing more and more each day.
Our influences and actions allow us to:
• Change laws and influence labour legislations;
• Bring awareness to issues affecting the working class.
• Propose solutions concerning social justice.
• Urge for equality.
• Be an engine of change that makes lives better.
“T here is a social machine of people like you believing in fairness and equality for all Canadians.”
-Teamsters Canada
Teamsters Beyond the Workplace
• Involved in human rights issues.
• Social committees that promote awareness.
• Active agents throughout the country.
• Local Unions involvement with communities.
Teamsters Beyond the Workplace
Helping and supporting
The Teamster believes in supporting and helping our members beyond the workplace. We recognize that our members face challenging issues that should not be ignored. Students, family emergencies, accidents, and illnesses are some of the instances that can preoccupy our work and personal life. Teamsters can help with all matters affecting your working status.
There are many resources that can support our members through difficult times and help them reach their goals. Teamsters Shop Stewards and the Union Rep have access to additional aid and information to help facilitate your needs.
Some initiatives offered by The Teamsters:
• Scholarship funds to help our members.
• Scholar ship funds for your children and grandchildren.
• Raising funds for a cause.
• Community involvement and events.
• Access to organisations that help people in need.
• Educational Resources and training.
“You matter.” -Teamsters Canada
Teamsters Beyond the Workplace
Connecting with Members,Connecting with Society
We want to know what you think. We encourage discussions that allow members and Canadians citizens to regroup, share and connect on issues that concern them.
Situations that involve youth, families, mental illnesses, disabilities, race, religion and ethnicities are among the many subjects that are very important to us.
Together, we find solutions that make our Union stronger and all members in society.
Conclusion
Teamsters Canada believes that together we participate in a process that makes a difference in the lives of Canadian workers. There are times when you will face challenges that push you to be courageous, patient and willful. Your involvement is vital. Without your participation and feedback, Teamsters would not have a significant role in your workplace and in society.
Remember, you are not alone. We are a large community of workers who share a common goal for fairness and quality of life for all.
You Are The Union!
Glossary
Business Agents: Union (Rep)resentatives that lead the membership within a workplace. They are labour specialists who have access to information and resources.
Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA or CA): Written contract between the union and the employer that underlines the terms and working conditions in the workplace.
Grievance: Legal procedure to defend a labour right violation.
International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT): Labour Union that represents workers throughout Canada, United States and Puerto Rico.
Labour Movement: Group of concerned organizations and citizens that represent the working class. Through mobilizing, campaigning and social action, they fight, educate and promote for better working conditions and fair treatment of workers.
Local Union: Local Unions are locally based offices in a region. They are the hub of the Teamsters Organization.
Lockout: Work stoppage initiated by the employer during the negotiation process.
Members: Workers who are unionized.
Membership: Community of unionized workers.
Organizer: A person that organizes new membership.
Shop Steward: Unionized employee that is appointed by the Union Representative or voted by the membership. This process may differ depending on the Local Union/Conference bylaws or collective agreement.
Strikes: Work stoppage initiated by the membership during the negotiation process.
Strike Fund: Teamsters Canada has a strike fund that supports our workers during a work stoppage.
Teamsters Canada Youth Committee (TCYC): TCYC is a diverse group of young members that reflect the growing and changing society. They are activists representing workers and their rights from coast to coast.
Teamsters Quebec and Ontario Women’s Caucus: Diverse group of female members, educators and lawyers that come together to discuss women’s rights, the inequalities they face and the working class. They create social actions provincially to promote awareness on various important causes.
Wildcat Strike: An illegal work stoppage or slowdown of work pace by the members.
Teamsters
Teamsters Canada
400 – 1750 rue Maurice-Gauvin
Laval, QC H7S 1Z5
Telephone: 450-682-5521
Toll free: 1-866-888-6466
Fax: 450-681-2244
info@teamsters.ca
www.teamsters.ca
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
25 Louisiana Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001-2130, USA
www.teamster.org
James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund 4200 Wisconsin Ave. (S. 106-289)
NW, Washington, DC 20016
www.jrhmsf.org
Immigration
ImmigrationandCitizenship Canada
Telephone: 1-888-242-2100
www.cic.gc.ca
Immigration.ca
Telephone: 514-487-2011
www.immigration.ca/
Passport Canada
Telephone: 1-800-567-6868
www.canada.ca/en/
immigration-refugeescitizenship/services/canadianpassports.html
Mental Health Commission
Telephone: 613-683-3755
www.mentalhealthcommission.ca Justice
344 Slater Street, 8th Floor
Ottawa, ON K1A 1E1
Telephone: 1-888-214-1090
info.com@chrc-ccdp.gc.ca
www.chrc-ccdp.ca
Canadian Red Cross
Telephone: 1-800-418-1111
www.redcross.ca Oxfam Canada
39 McArthur Avenue
Ottawa, ON K1L 8L7
Telephone: 613-237-5236
Toll free: 1 800 466-9326
info@oxfam.ca
www.oxfam.ca Volunteer
Government Resources
Labour Programs, HRSDC
Service Canada phone number: 1-800-O-CANADA (1-800-622-6232)
www.esdc.gc.ca/ Transport Canada
www.tc.gc.ca
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
www.ccohs.ca
Phone number by province:
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
NewBrunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Saskatchewan
Northwest Territories
Nunavut
Prince Edward Island
Yukon
Quebec
Telephone: 1-800-668-4284
1-866-415-8690 1-888-967-5377 1-855-957-7233 1-800-999-9775 1-800-563-5471 1-800-952-2687
1-877-202-0008
1-800-567-7233
1-800-661-0792 1-800-661-0792 1-902-628-7513 1-800-661-0443
1-844-838-0808
Workplace Equity
www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/ portfolio/labour/programs/employment-equity.html
Federal Workers’ Compensation Service
www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/workplace/health-safety/ compensation.html
Canadian Workers’ Compensation Boards
Alberta British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario Saskatchewan Quebec
Employment Insurance Service Canada
Telephone: 1-800-206-7218
www.canada.ca/en/
services/benefits/ei.html
www.wcb.ab.ca
www.worksafebc.com
www.wcb.mb.ca
www.worksafenb.ca
www.workplacenl.ca
www.wcb.ns.ca
www.wsib.on.ca
www.wcbsask.com
www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/en
Canada Revenue Agency
Telephone: 1 800-959-7383
www.cra-arc.gc.ca