We are aware of the email that went out to SCPCN staff Friday February 9, 2024, and want to acknowledge that SCPCN leadership is aware of recent discussions and efforts regarding unionization.
Choosing to sign a membership card in support of the Union is not wrong, illegal or something you should be ashamed of. You have the right, as employees, to explore and chose to unionize. SCPCN cannot interfere with that choice.
It’s important to note that during an organizing campaign, SCPCN must adhere to certain guidelines. Here is what SCPCN can and cannot do about your union activity:
Leadership can:
- Tell employees what they think about a union, express their personal point of view, so long as the employer does not use threats, coercion, intimidation, promises or undue influence.
- Make a pitch for the company or organization and say how good the working conditions are.
- Increase benefits or start to hold monthly, weekly or daily meetings to solve problems.
- Resolve problems that have irritated people for years only minutes after an application notice has been received.
- Continue to pursue their organizational projects and growth plans as a business.
Leadership cannot:
- Ask whether you or someone you know has signed a membership application card or is thinking of signing a membership application card.
- Ask about union meetings, union activities or if you were involved in organizing the union.
- Discipline a union supporter for doing something employees who don’t support the union also do but get away with.
- Call someone into the office to talk about the union unless that person asks for a meeting.
- Promise wage increases or other benefits if employees reject the union or say they might lose benefits if they’re for the union.
- Tell you the organization will close down or be forced to lay people off because workers have chosen to unionize.
- Suggest management will refuse to deal with a union because the employees have chosen to unionize.
- Deny you accommodation or modified duties because the employees have chosen to unionize.
If you or your colleagues have experienced any negative behaviour or actions like those listed above from Senior Leadership, HR partners, or Executive Staff please document in as much detail as possible. Then reach out to CUPE National Representative, Brigitte Benoit at bbenoit@cupe.ca or 780.991.4528.