INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS IN CANADA Third Edition Fiona A. E. McQuarrie Prepared by Kenda Murphy, Saint Mary’s University Kenda Murphy, Saint Mary’s University

Chapter 4 The Structure of Canadian Unions

At the end of this chapter, you should be able to:At the end of this chapter, you should be able to:  Describe the formation and operation of a local union  Understand the relationship between a local union and its regional, national, or international union  Outline the function of labour councils  Describe how a labour federation is structured  Identify the role played by provincial, territorial, national, and international labour federations Chapter 4 Objectives

The Structure of Canadian Unions The labour movement in Canada consists of a large and complex network of direct and indirect relationshipsThe labour movement in Canada consists of a large and complex network of direct and indirect relationships There are three levels of unions in Canada:There are three levels of unions in Canada:  The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC)  Provincial/territorial labour federations coordinate the labour movement in provinces and territories  Labour councils are the coordinating body for union activity at the municipal or regional level

The Local Union The local union is the cornerstone of union structureThe local union is the cornerstone of union structure It is the first level of the structure of the Canadian labour movementIt is the first level of the structure of the Canadian labour movement Created when workers at one or more work sites come together to form an independent union or join an existing oneCreated when workers at one or more work sites come together to form an independent union or join an existing one Local unions can vary considerably in sizeLocal unions can vary considerably in size The structure of the local union is designed to put the principles of participation and democracy into actionThe structure of the local union is designed to put the principles of participation and democracy into action

Structure of the Local Union The internal structure of Canadian unions is “only lightly regulated” by lawThe internal structure of Canadian unions is “only lightly regulated” by law The union is expected to operate in a manner that is free from discrimination and allows democratic participationThe union is expected to operate in a manner that is free from discrimination and allows democratic participation Members elect a union executive to run the local unionMembers elect a union executive to run the local union Shop stewards are the union members’ representatives in the workplaceShop stewards are the union members’ representatives in the workplace Larger locals often have a paid staff that includes a business agentLarger locals often have a paid staff that includes a business agent

Structure of the Local Union The business agent may serve more than one localThe business agent may serve more than one local Usually plays a significant role in contract negotiations and grievance handlingUsually plays a significant role in contract negotiations and grievance handling Often has a lot of responsibility and powerOften has a lot of responsibility and power Locals may also employ administrative or secretarial support staffLocals may also employ administrative or secretarial support staff Local union members pay monthly duesLocal union members pay monthly dues

Functions of the Local Union The local union carries out three major functions:The local union carries out three major functions:  Dealing with workplace problems or grievances  Collective bargaining  Political or social activity The membership determines how these functions are carried out but there are differences of opinion on what participation levels meanThe membership determines how these functions are carried out but there are differences of opinion on what participation levels mean

Functions of the Local Union Some say that low participation indicates members are satisfied, but others argue it means that the members’ true needs and wishes are not knownSome say that low participation indicates members are satisfied, but others argue it means that the members’ true needs and wishes are not known  Iron law of oligarchy: low union membership leads to entrenched leadership elite; not easily removed

Regional, National, and International Unions Most local unions belong to a larger regional, national, or international union, known as a parent unionMost local unions belong to a larger regional, national, or international union, known as a parent union Parent unions are structured like local unions with elected executives and paid staff and are financed through individual member duesParent unions are structured like local unions with elected executives and paid staff and are financed through individual member dues Parent unions engage in decision-making through an annual convention or congressParent unions engage in decision-making through an annual convention or congress Each local union is entitled to send delegates to the conventionEach local union is entitled to send delegates to the convention

Regional, National, and International Unions: Functions of Parent Unions Parent unions may:Parent unions may:  Help in the creation of local unions  Support a local’s ongoing activities, including assisting with workplace issues  Offer collective bargaining advice  Conduct educational programs  Represent members on labour councils, provincial or national labour federations, Parent unions are financed through individual members’ duesParent unions are financed through individual members’ dues

Structure of the Labour Council A labour council comprises delegates from many different union locals, usually from within a regionA labour council comprises delegates from many different union locals, usually from within a region Each local union that is a member of the labour council appoints or elects a delegate as a representative on the labour councilEach local union that is a member of the labour council appoints or elects a delegate as a representative on the labour council Labour councils are financed through dues from local union affiliates and have no full time staffLabour councils are financed through dues from local union affiliates and have no full time staff Affiliation with a labour council is voluntary for local unions, but is encouragedAffiliation with a labour council is voluntary for local unions, but is encouraged

Functions of Labour Councils Labour councils:Labour councils:  Represent workers’ interests to local government  Encourage union participation in the community  Carry out labour movement policies at the regional level Labour council activities may include:Labour council activities may include:  Providing strike support for local unions  Advocating for broader social goals such as child care and participation in other activist ventures  Fundraising for charity  Hosting local CLC education programs

Provincial Labour Federations A provincial labour federation is comprised of unions from a province or territoryA provincial labour federation is comprised of unions from a province or territory Similar structure to regional, national and international unions with elected executives and financed by per capita dues from union membersSimilar structure to regional, national and international unions with elected executives and financed by per capita dues from union members Participation issues and “the iron law of oligarchy” are apparent within provincial labour federationsParticipation issues and “the iron law of oligarchy” are apparent within provincial labour federations Most important, provincial federations deal with labour legislation issues and lobby the government for changesMost important, provincial federations deal with labour legislation issues and lobby the government for changes They also provide local unions with communication, education, and research servicesThey also provide local unions with communication, education, and research services

National Labour Federations The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is the largest central labour body in Canada comprising 60 national and international unionsThe Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is the largest central labour body in Canada comprising 60 national and international unions The CLC includes provincial and territorial labour federations and 137 community labour councilsThe CLC includes provincial and territorial labour federations and 137 community labour councils A number of local unions are affiliated to the CLC without representation through a secondary bodyA number of local unions are affiliated to the CLC without representation through a secondary body The CLC constitution includes:The CLC constitution includes:  A code of union citizenship  A code of ethical organizing  A code of ethics

Structure of the CLC The CLC constitution states that affiliates will not organize or attempt to represent employees who are already organized and have an established collective bargaining relationship with another affiliateThe CLC constitution states that affiliates will not organize or attempt to represent employees who are already organized and have an established collective bargaining relationship with another affiliate If an affiliate undertakes an action that might be considered a violation of this provision, the affiliate can claim justification to the CLC presidentIf an affiliate undertakes an action that might be considered a violation of this provision, the affiliate can claim justification to the CLC president Penalties can be imposed by the executive if the affiliate’s actions are found to be unjustifiedPenalties can be imposed by the executive if the affiliate’s actions are found to be unjustified The CLC provides services to affiliates and acts as the “voice of labour”The CLC provides services to affiliates and acts as the “voice of labour”

Centralized Labour Federations There are several large centralized labour federations located in Quebec representing different sectors of the Quebec union movementThere are several large centralized labour federations located in Quebec representing different sectors of the Quebec union movement They reflect the different forces that have helped shape Quebec society and continue to impact its economy through investment funds like Solidarity Fund and FondactionThey reflect the different forces that have helped shape Quebec society and continue to impact its economy through investment funds like Solidarity Fund and Fondaction They represent a cross section of employeesThey represent a cross section of employees

Quebec Labour Federations Quebec Federation of Labour (French acronym FTQ)   Largest centralized labour federation in Quebec   Affiliated with the CLC, but the relationship is structured differently than other labour federations   Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ)   It is a ‘federation of federations’ with 250 unions   Most members are in education so collective agreement negotiating is a major function   Its direction as an association is achieved through voting at a general congress

Quebec Labour Federations Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN)Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN)  Founded initially as a union for Catholic workers  Today its membership crosses many industries  It is involved in labour-management co- operation agreements and the investment fund Fondaction

International Labour Federations International affiliations are becoming more important to Canadian unions because of globalizationInternational affiliations are becoming more important to Canadian unions because of globalization The International Labour Organization (ILO), based in Geneva, is an agency of the United NationsThe International Labour Organization (ILO), based in Geneva, is an agency of the United Nations The CLC is an affiliate of two other international organizations:The CLC is an affiliate of two other international organizations:  The Trades Union Advisory Committee of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (TUAC-OECD)  The Commonwealth Trade Union Group

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