IBEW local 636

Greetings,

Amid the chaos and confusion that has surrounded the electrical industry over the past few years; many workers have found themselves wondering what their future holds. For more than eighty years, Local Union 636 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (I.B.E.W.) has helped our members find the answer to such questions.

Through some of the Public Sector's most difficult periods our organization's strength and solidarity has ensured that families have maintained or improved their standard of living and job security. Today, we continue to defend the rights and promote the interests of working men and women across Ontario.

We would like you to consider the many benefits of membership. In the ever changing and often challenging world of work, our organization has consistently been a leader in advancing the causes of democracy, fairness, equality, respect and justice - both in and out of the workplace.

We proudly serve 84 (outside and office/inside) bargaining units with just under 4000 members across the province in such areas as the Utility Industry (Water, Sewer, Electricity and Gas; Public Works employees; Municipal employees; Call Centre employees (that support both Municipalities and Utilities); Hospitals (clerical staff); Home Care Associations; Manufacturing and; Alarm and Signal Companies in the Security Industry. Such diversity has allowed us to develop the expertise necessary to effectively deal with the issues and concerns of both public and private sector members.

By invitation, we would be pleased to meet with you to see if there is a need for Professional representation. With representation from Local 636 IBEW, you as an employee will determine what shall be placed in your collective agreement through a democratic vote. Issues such as General Wage Increases, Seniority, Vacation Entitlements, and all other issues relating to your employment may all be negotiated. Once a collective agreement has been established, your employer will have to follow these guidelines.

We also train our members (who will act as Stewards) to deal with everyday problems that might occur in your workplace.

You shall be part of a process that allows all the employees to speak as one.

We would be proud to represent you and offer the top quality service that our members across the province have been accustomed to for more than 80 years.

Let your voice be heard - join Local 636 IBEW.

Rules for Certification:

If you are interested in joining Local 636 we would be glad to send you a union membership card. This card is to be signed and dated by any employee wishing to belong to Local 636 IBEW. On the top line of the card you shall print your full name followed by your signature on the line below. On the witness line, any person can witness your signature (i.e. friend, relative). Then it can be dated. Please return both signed copies to our Home office at 7170 West Credit Avenue, Unit 2B Mississauga Ontario, L5N 6C6.

REMEMBER ALL NAMES ARE CONFIDENTIAL. IN NO WAY WILL YOUR EMPLOYER KNOW YOU HAVE SIGNED A CARD REQUESTING TO HAVE LOCAL 636 REPRESENT YOU!

Local 636 IBEW must have signed up at least 40% of the employees in order to apply to the Ontario Labour Relations Board for certification. This percentage is based on Non-Managerial positions. Once Local 636 has applied to the Ontario Labour Relations Board for certification, a vote shall be conducted in your work place within one (1) week of the application. All employees will then have the opportunity to vote by secret ballot whether or not they wish to be represented by the IBEW. At no time will your employer ever see which way you voted.

Local 636 IBEW must achieve 50% + 1 vote of the employees who have cast a ballot in order to become your Bargaining Agents (i.e. 400 people cast ballots; 201 in favour, 199 against, IBEW will certify). The outcome of this vote depends on the number of employees that have voted.

Your employer must post on the employee bulletin board the times and place of the scheduled vote. It is your right as an employee to attend this vote without any employer interference.

Under the Labour Relations Act :

Section 5 - Freedoms

Every person is free to join a trade union of the person's own choice and to participate in its lawful activities.

Section 70 - Unfair Practises

No employer or employers organization and no person acting on the behalf of an employer or an employers= organization shall participate in or interfere with the formation, selection or administration of a trade union or the representation of employees by a trade union or contribute financial or other support to a trade union, but nothing in this section shall be deemed to deprive an employer of the employers freedom to express views so long as the employer does not use coercion, intimidation, threats, promises or undue influence.

Section 86 - Working Conditions May Not Be Altered

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT 1-800-955-4239

All calls shall be strictly confidential!!