Union Jobs in Toronto on the Rise
About three in ten people you meet on the street in Toronto or any other city in Canada are likely to be part of a union. That number continues to hold steady, and some analysts suggest it may be on the rise due to more people getting union jobs, not to mention individuals recognizing the benefits of a union.
Why Union Jobs Are Rising
Across Canada, union jobs are increasing. While there is no one reason why this may be the case, research by Statistics Canada as reported by the CBC News (http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/non-union-wages-seen-rising-3-2-in-2013-1.1271693) could hold a clue: Higher wages.
It has become clear for many non-union workers that they are losing income possibilities compared to their union brethren. This realization could be leading men and women to go into trades where they are supported by unions. These include industries like painting, drywall finishing and glaziers, which IUPAT represents.
How Unions Help Workers
Through a myriad of ways, unions such as the IUPAT assist workers. It would be just too long to thoroughly discuss all the ways in the confines of this piece, however, it’s safe to say that unions operate under no less than five strategies which ultimately assist their members:
- Unions ensure that the government regulates the workplaces and terms of employment.
- Unions assist members with legal grievances when needed.
- Unions negotiate higher wage increases, often higher than found in private sector jobs.
- Unions help workers keep their jobs for longer periods of time than they might if they were employed by private employers.
- Unions bargain on the behalf of their entire membership, which increases their bargaining powers.
Unions Are Here to Stay in Canada
There’s little doubt that unions are here to stay in Canada. As they do their part on behalf of their members, they will continue to attract new employees. This can only lead to stronger union jobs in all pertinent fields.
To learn more about joining a union, or entering a union job, please contact IUPAT at (416) 630-1823.