1. Union Dues
Unifor union dues are 1.35% of wages (or $1.35 per $100 earned). Dues are 100% tax-deductible and are only paid after a first collective agreement is ratified—so there are no dues until you see actual improvements in your contract.
Union dues are set at 1.35% of your gross monthly income, whether you work part-time or full-time. Tips, bonuses and shift premiums are not included in this calculation and you do not pay dues when you are off on WSIB, leave of absence, maternity or parental leave, or sick leave.
Unifor does not make verbal promises about dues. The structure is clearly written in the Unifor Constitution, which applies equally to all members across industries.
2. Wage Increases
Unifor has a proven track record of leading the pack in securing higher wages across multiple sectors, including aviation, telecommunications, and professional workers.
- Aviation: Unifor has already negotiated strong wage increases for WestJet airport agents in Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto.
- Telecommunications: Unifor represents workers at major companies like Bell and Rogers, consistently winning industry-leading pay increases.
- Professional Workers: Unifor has won significant salary increases for technical, office, and professional workers across Canada.
At WestJet, without a union, wages are entirely at the employer’s discretion. The company has no obligation to raise wages, and WestJet’s current business model focuses on cost-cutting.
With Unifor, wage increases are negotiated collectively, and you vote to accept or reject the offer.
3. Flexibility of Shifts
Shift flexibility is another negotiated term.
- Right now, WestJet controls shifts entirely, and management can make changes without worker input.
- A unionized agreement can protect shift preferences, ensure seniority-based scheduling, and prevent sudden schedule changes.
For example, at Unifor-represented airline workplaces, workers have secured better shift-bidding rights and protections for work-life balance.
4. Health Benefits
WestJet decides health benefits on its own right now.
- With a union, health benefits become part of your contract, meaning WestJet cannot reduce them without bargaining.
- Unifor has negotiated improved health benefits for airline workers at other companies.
Having a union means any changes must go through bargaining, and members must vote to approve them.
5. Paid Vacations
Vacation entitlements are set in the collective agreement and cannot be reduced without negotiation.
- Without a union, WestJet controls vacation policies, and workers have no say in how these policies change.
- With Unifor, vacation entitlements are locked into the contract and cannot be unilaterally reduced.
6. Shop Stewards & Bargaining Committee Members
You and your coworkers elect your own shop stewards and bargaining committee members.
- These are not outsiders—they are your coworkers who step up to ensure the contract is followed and to represent you in negotiations.
- Unifor will provide training and support for shop stewards.
This means workers—not Unifor staff or the employer—will control who represents them.
7. Does the Union Have an Office at the Workplace?
Unifor does not have a permanent office inside the workplace, but once workers are unionized:
- There will be onsite shop stewards and elected representatives.
- Unifor representatives will regularly visit the workplace.
- Union reps are accessible to members as needed through various means, including scheduled visits and direct contact.
Additionally, in many workplaces, Unifor has negotiated dedicated office space as part of the collective agreement if this is a priority for the membership. This ensures that union reps have a space for meetings, grievance handling, and direct member support.
8. Levels of Representation
Unifor provides multiple levels of representation:
- Workplace Level: Shop stewards and union representatives handle everyday concerns.
- Local Level: Your Unifor Local will have resources, leadership, and experienced union activists supporting you.
- National Level: Unifor’s national office has legal teams, industry experts, and professional negotiators ensuring workers have strong backing in bargaining, grievances, and advocacy.
This layered support means members have access to representation at all levels, ensuring fair treatment, strong bargaining power, and the ability to escalate issues effectively.
9. Written Commitments on Union Fees
Unifor does not make verbal or changing promises about dues. The 1.35% structure is in writing in the Unifor Constitution and applies equally to all members.
If anyone has had bad experiences, they should compare their current situation:
- Right now, WestJet decides everything about wages, shifts, and benefits with no worker say.
- With Unifor, workers gain a voice in decision-making.
A collective agreement locks in improvements, and members vote on every change.
Sign your Unifor membership card today to secure your job and protect your future. If you have any questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Unifor organizing team.
Don’t wait for your job to be the next casualty of outsourcing. Act now—sign your membership card today!
In solidarity,
Billy O’Neill
Unifor National Representative, Organizing
📞 416.605.1443
✉️ billy.oneill@unifor.org
Lucy Alessio
Unifor National Coordinator, Organizing
📞 416.998.3189
✉️ lucy.alessio@unifor.org
Don’t wait—click here to sign your card today!
Do you like this page?