JOIN LOCAL 1072
READY TO JOIN THE UNION?
Start by filling out a membership card.
Joining the union is straightforward, but it involves completing three important steps. First, fill out a membership card. Then, we build support from your coworkers. Finally, cast your vote to make it official. All three steps must be completed to unionize your workplace. Let’s walk through the process together.
Step 1: Fill out a union membership card
Joining a union in Ontario starts with signing a membership card—a simple yet essential step in gaining union representation. This card is your formal way of saying, “I’m ready to join!” You can complete it either electronically or in person, depending on what works best for you. Your membership card is kept completely confidential and is only shared with the union and the Ontario Labour Relations Board. If you’d prefer a physical card, just reach out to us. Or, follow the steps below to easily submit your card online.
Only union representatives and the Ontario Labour Relations Board can access your information. Your employer will not be notified, and your personal details remain secure.
Your Privacy Matters To Us
You're Protected By Law
It’s illegal for an employer to retaliate against employees for union involvement.
Online Submission Instructions
Here's what you can expect:
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Get Started with Your Info: Start by providing your name and email address.
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Check Your Email: After submitting your information, you’ll receive an email with a secure link to complete the process through DocuSign.
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Complete the Form in DocuSign: In the DocuSign form, you’ll provide a few details such as your address, the company you work for, and your phone number.
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Why do we need this information? It helps us represent you effectively and ensures you're eligible for membership.
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You’re All Set!
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Await Confirmation: Once we receive your card, we’ll reach out within 24 hours to discuss the next steps!
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.
We understand that joining can feel like a big step, and we’re happy to answer any questions you have. Your privacy and security are our priority, and all the information you provide is kept confidential.
Our union is open to workers from a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, transportation, casinos, and many more. If you're looking for support, representation, and fair treatment, you may be eligible to join. To see a full list of industries we cover, click here.
The greatest benefit to joining the UBC would be negotiating power! You and your coworkers will finally have a voice to help shape your workplace with the full support of the UBC by your side. The UBC also gives you FREE access to training opportunities, in-house lawyers, WSIB specialists, local reps who are on call 24/7 and so much more.
You, as an employee, will be able to decide what important changes need to happen, from higher wages, greater benefits, pension plans, scheduling, premiums and so on. This is one of the reasons why most companies do not like the idea of Unions. Your voice will be heard and you will finally have a say! These changes would be legally binding in a Collective Agreement so no more broken promises by the Company!
The process begins with signing a membership card, which only takes a few minutes. After that, the focus shifts to gathering support from your coworkers, with at least 40% of them needing to sign cards. The timeline for this step can vary depending on the size of your workplace and how quickly coworkers get involved. Union representatives work at a pace that respects your time while ensuring everyone has the information they need to make an informed decision. Once 40% of employees have signed, an electronic vote will be scheduled by the Ontario Labour Relations Board typically within 5 business days to finalize the process.
Signing a membership card is an important first step toward union representation, but it doesn’t make you a union member right away. It’s part of a process that includes a workplace vote to decide if unionization will proceed. Your signed card contributes to the collective effort to show interest and gather support for forming a union.
Once at least 40% of employees in your workplace have signed cards, the union can apply to the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) to request a vote. For the union to be certified, a majority of employees—50% plus 1—must vote in favour.
No, your employer won’t know you’ve signed a membership card unless you choose to share that information. Membership cards are confidential and only shared with the OLRB to verify the threshold.
Step 2: Gather Support
Once you’ve signed a membership card, the next step is gathering support from your coworkers. To move forward, at least 40% of the employees at your workplace need to sign cards. Once 40% of employees or more in your workplace have signed cards, the union can apply to the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) to request a vote. This vote allows everyone to decide whether they want to officially form a union.
Why Does Support Matter?
The 40% requirement helps show that enough employees are interested in forming a union before moving forward. It prevents holding votes when support is too low, saving time and resources for everyone involved, including the employer and the labour relations board.
Union organizers and supportive employees share information about the benefits of unionizing and answer questions from coworkers. Through conversations, resources, and examples of union successes, they encourage others to sign membership cards.
The timeline can vary depending on the size of the workplace and the level of interest. Union representatives work at a pace that respects employees’ time and ensures everyone has the information they need. (NOTE: Cards are only good for one year from the date of signing.)
If the threshold isn’t met, the union cannot proceed with a vote. However, the organizing effort doesn’t end—it’s an opportunity to address concerns, provide more information, and continue building support.
Step 3: Voting
Secret Ballot Voting
Ensures that employees can make their decision privately.
Once 40% or more of your coworkers have signed membership cards, the union can request a vote from the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB). This vote decides whether your workplace will officially unionize. The process is quick and secure—conducted electronically through a secret ballot, ensuring your privacy. If a majority of employees (50% + 1) vote yes, your union is certified. From that point on, your employer must negotiate with your union on all working conditions, and your union will be there to support you whenever issues arise.
The vote is conducted electronically, so you can participate conveniently from anywhere.
The vote will happen typically within 5 business days after the union submits the signed membership cards to the Ontario Labour Relations Board.
The vote is done through a secret ballot. This means that no one—neither your employer nor the union—will know how you voted. Your individual choice is completely confidential. You will mark your vote privately, and only the overall results of the vote will be shared. This process ensures you can make your decision freely and without pressure.
Yes, signing a membership card doesn’t commit you to voting yes. You’re free to make your decision during the vote.
WHY JOIN?
Empower your work life – unionize for fair wages, workplace justice, and solidarity.
Experience the peace of mind that comes with job security, improved compensation, and healthcare. Bid farewell to hazardous working conditions and embrace a safer, more comfortable workplace. Discover all Local 1072 can do for you!
Without a collective agreement, your employer can fire you without just cause if they decide they want to hire a family member or friend to fill your position. The union protects your job through a grievance procedure, should your employer try and fire you, demote you to a lower position or remove you from the workplace. As a union member, the pay, benefits and working conditions outlined in our collective agreement are guaranteed.
While rates vary from industry to industry as well as from region to region, union wages and benefits are significantly higher than non-unionized wages and benefits. It is that simple. If wages matter to you, then you will want to join a union.
Pensions, medical insurance, sick pay, leaves of absence, shift and overtime premiums are benefits that come with being part of a unionized workplace. Unionized workplaces are governed by a collective agreement, which outlines the benefits and supports workers receive while they are both on and off the worksite. Many of these benefits do not exist in non-unionized worksites.
Union members receive more safety training and have avenues to address safety concerns on the job. With being a member of a union, members are able to access training at no cost and are able to develop their skills, both on and off the job site. Training that the union provides includes WHMIS, CPR and First Aid, Stewards Training and numerous other courses that are of benefit to members out on job sites.
As a union member, you no longer have to fight workplace harassment, arbitrary decisions made by management or workplace mistreatment. Union workers have support on each and every job site affiliated with the union. Being part of a union gives every worker the right to be protected while at work.
Employees who are unionized tend to be more productive workers than non-unionized employees. The job that pays better wage, has benefits and provides a safe work environment will attract a much more productive and dedicated worker compared to lower paying jobs with no benefits and no job security. Workers who have a strong work ethic and a high level of competency typically apply to unionized workplaces.
Ever been told to do something in a certain way, even though you knew it wasn't the right way? Having a union means having a partnership on your job site. Your view and skills are respected. You work with your co-workers to solve problems. And have what you need to get the job done the first time!
By forming a union where you work, you're creating more good jobs, and building a more secure future for yourself and your community. When you replace low-wage and temporary jobs with good union jobs, you boost local economies, lift living standards, and strengthen tax bases.
Through the Carpenters' Union, you as an employee have access to a variety of resources such as:
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In-house legal team to support members legally on the job site when issues arise
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In-house WSIB experts to handle claims and cases through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
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In-house training for workers that includes health and safety training as well as skill-specific training
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The ability to transfer to another Local affiliated with the Carpenters' Union if you decide to relocate
