A BETTER WORKPLACE
A BETTER LIFE

We wouldn't dream of living in a community where we have no say in how things are run. So why should we accept having little or no say in our workplace?

A union brings some democracy to the workplace.

When a group of workers get together to negotiate a contract with their employer, they can achieve better wages, benefits and working conditions.

CWA Canada would like to help you do that.

 

Call National Office toll-free:
1-877-486-4292
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How our union can help YOU

  • Better pay: government statistics show that unionized workers earn more money than non-unionized workers.

  • Better benefits: paid vacation and sick leave; extra pay for weekend and night work; life, health and dental insurance.

  • Job security: You can't be fired without just cause.

  • Stable pension plan: to ensure a decent retirement.

  • Equality in pay and treatment for all members regardless of sex, creed or colour.

  • More home/family time: The majority of our members work less than 40 hours a week with at least time-and-a-half in cash (or time off) for overtime.

     The advantages are all yours
There are many advantages to union membership such as better wages, working conditions and a collective voice for you in the company.

As an example, at some daily newspapers where CWA Canada has members, editorial employees routinely earn more than $1,000 a week. Ad builders and clerical staff earn more than $20 an hour; creative earn more than $25 an hour. The list goes on.

And let’s not forget pay equity. Many of our members have received increases and retroactive pay for female dominated jobs that have been undervalued. Some have received retroactive pay of thousands of dollars.

There are other benefits to CWA membership including increased vacation, personal days, sick leave, legal representation and so much more.

There is no sign-up fee or any other charges. You do not pay dues until after you have a contract. Then, you and your colleagues decide the level of dues (typically 1.5 % of your pay), which are eligible for a tax credit.

So what do you have to lose? Contact us today and let’s get the process started.

A CWA Canada staff member is standing by, prepared to meet with individuals or groups in the strictest confidence.

Who we are
Members of CWA Canada work in newspapers,
radio, television and new media. We also
represent information-technology,
professional and administrative workers
in other industries. We are an autonomous
part of the CWA, the largest media union in
North America with more than half a million
members. We are also part of The Newspaper Guild, which is dedicated to raising journalistic
standards and industry ethics.
You will find CWA Canada at the CBC,
The Canadian Press, Reuters, Aboriginal Peoples TV, and daily newspapers coast to coast.



   

Why we need unions

In a perfect world, employers would always treat workers with respect and pay fair wages. No one would be disciplined or fired unjustly, denied promotions unfairly or forced to work long hours — at the expense of family life — without being paid overtime. Unfortunately, this isn't a perfect world.

A union helps level the playing field between you and your employer. Acting individually, you have little power. If you ask for a raise or want something changed and management says no, what can you do? Being part of a union gives you and your colleagues the power to bargain collectively for a better work life.

With a union, a contract is negotiated that puts working conditions in writing and provides a fair process to deal with problems. That doesn't mean some old-fashioned rigid system. CWA Canada is a democratic and modern union that understands the need for flexibility and respects the principle of individual advancement based on good work.