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An insight into Rights of Workers in Canada

Unions in Canada

Canada has a great system for workers rights called Union. Most of public service organizations have Unions to protect workers right. Employers are not able to take advantage of workers where Unions are present. Workers do contribute to Unions from their pay cheque, but it is for their benefit.  Here is an analysis of benefits and drawbacks of Unions at workplace.

 

Benefits include:

  1. Unionized workers typically earn higher salaries, about 23% more on average, than non-unionized workers.

  2. They also enjoy better benefits, such as health, retirement, and other perks.

  3. Unionized employees have more job security, often holding permanent, full-time positions, and are less likely to be fired without just cause.

  4. These workplaces tend to have higher standards of health and safety. Union contracts usually include predictable schedules and overtime rules.

  5. Additionally, unions often provide education and training opportunities for their members and allow workers to have a say in workplace decisions and policies .

Union with hands

CUPE workers prosting

Drawbacks:

  •  Workers are required to pay union dues, which can be a financial burden for some

  • Sometime, unionization can negatively impact the economy by technological advancements, raising wages, lowering net profits, and slowing productivity and employment growth. This occurs because unions limit employers' flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions in the competitive global marketplace

  • In Canada, workers are legally required to pay union dues regardless of union membership, unlike most other free-world countries where employees can choose. Some other countries reformed their union laws to reduce power of unions, protect non-unionized employees, and promote flexibility in business.


Effect of Immigrants in Unions: Authors of this study think that immigrants who aren't fully integrated into their workplace and society in general, are less likely to join unions compared to native workers. This lack of integration makes it harder for them to work together to solve common problems. Additionally, having a works council at the workplace can be an important factor in this context.

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