FAQ
A: Once your current Union discovers you and your co-workers are in the process of upgrading
to NOWU, prepare to see them more than ever before. We have seen a bunch of different
tactics over the years, like: False Anti-NOWU propaganda, promises, BBQ's, lunches,
distributing Union gear (SWAG), and even the President making appearances. They will
try everything once they know you're leaving, in order to keep your Union Dues.
A: No. Section 86 of the Ontario Labour Relations Act freezes your current contract or
working conditions in place. If you are a hospital worker, HOOPP is a condition of
employment, and has nothing to do with Union affiliation.
A: Article 4 of the CLC Constitution prevents members in a CLC Union
(ex. SEIU, CUPE, Teamsters) from transferring to another CLC Union. It locks you into
place with your existing Union. Your only option is to join a Non-CLC Union like NOWU.
A: The laws set out in the Ontario Labor Relations Act protect you during this process.
Your employer is supposed to remain completely neutral, although we sometimes see them
siding with the Union currently in place. Wonder why? Because they know NOWU has a
reputation of an aggressive servicing model.
A: Quite simply, less waste. The 'Big Unions' spend a portion of their members Union dues
on: CLC & OFL affiliations, political contributions, headquarters based in the USA,
gigantic unnecessary offices, multiple councils, amongst other things. NOWU staff are
trained to be lean, mean, and green, utilizing modern technology to increase efficiency,
reduce costs, and leave a smaller carbon footprint.
Union Glossary
Displacement is when you transfer from one Union to another. (ex. 1000 Mount Sinai Hospital members displaced SEIU Healthcare and upgraded to NOWU)
Decertification is when you completely remove your Union from your workplace.
A Union Representative (Rep) is paid staff that works for the Union as a Labor Relations Specialist. A Union Steward is an NOWU member who represents their co-workers in their specific workplace.
The timeframe in which you can file a displacement or decertification application. This is within the last 3 months before your current Collective Agreement expires. *Note* If you have a Collective Agreement which exceeds 3 years, an additional open period occurs each year thereafter. (ex. If you have a 4 year Collective Agreement, there is an open period at the end of year 3 & 4).
A Collective Agreement is a contract between the Union and your Employer detailing your specific rights and benefits.
Is when a Union negotiates many Collective Agreements at the same time. This process can make it difficult for your individual needs to be addressed, as many voices across many contracts are being heard simultaneously. NOWU does not believe Central Negotiations are an effective method for negotiating.