Workers at PetSmart are unionizing

Workers in Surrey just applied to form the first PetSmart union in B.C.

Interested in knowing what that means for your store? Let’s talk.

By filing for union certification with UFCW 1518, PetSmart workers will be able to bargain for a contract that gives them the treatment they deserve.

They are standing up for fair wages, reliable scheduling, animal welfare, respect, and a real voice at work. If you’re a PetSmart employee and want to learn more — we want to hear from you.

Just fill out the form on this page and a union organizer (or even another PetSmart worker) will reach out on your terms. No pressure, no commitment.

Let’s chat — confidentially 🔒

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Whether you’re curious, supportive, or not sure yet — we’d love to connect.

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🔒 Your information is 100% confidential and will only be used by UFCW to contact you directly.

How can a union benefit me?

As part of a union, you’re in the driving seat – you can negotiate for what matters to you.

Protect staff commissions

Fight for better wages

Stand up for animal welfare

Reliable, guaranteed hours

Guaranteed breaks

Stable management relations

Hear from our members:

“We are pushing for a union at our store because we see the good that PetSmart can do. We are just not seeing good being done. Recent changes at PetSmart have worsened conditions at our workplace. With the union, we have a real say in the matter, a chance to improve operations for both our Pets and People. We need to be the change we want to see.”

PetSmart Worker

One of the workers involved in unionizing the Surrey PetSmart

In addition to representing over 28,000 workers across BC, we have helped thousands of workers take the first step towards unionizing.

We know what it takes to successfully organize, and we are ready when you are.

How do I join the union?

Connect with us confidentially

Use our Contact form, email join@ufcw1518.com or call us at 1-888-581-1518. We will get back to you as soon as possible to answer your questions about joining a union. Once you start the process of unionizing, your job is protected by the BC Labour Relations Board.

Sign union cards

Working with staff from our union, you and your co-workers will sign support cards indicating that you want to join UFCW 1518. When enough of you sign a card, you will win your union!

This process is confidential. Your employer will never have the right to know who did or did not sign. Your employer cannot legally take action against anyone for signing a card.

We give notice to the employer

When the BC Labour Relations Board certifies you and your coworkers as members of UFCW 1518, union staff will contact your employer to begin the bargaining process. You will elect coworkers to represent you in bargaining.

You get bargaining!

Once your union membership is certified, bargaining can begin! This is the process of negotiating a union contract, which spells out wages, benefits, respect and job security. You will all be able to submit proposals for your new contract. We will help guide you through the bargaining process.

FAQ: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Will Management know if I’ve signed a union card?

Management will never know who signed cards – the process is 100% confidential. We will never tolerate retaliation against workers who are in favour of unionizing.

What are the main benefits of joining a union?

Collective bargaining means workers stick together to win better treatment at work through a union contract built on your suggestions and negotiated with the employer.

Through being part of a union, workers at many major chains have won improved pay and vacation benefits over non-unionized stores and increased their starting pay.

More PetSmart stores joining the union gives you the ability to win even bigger gains at the bargaining table.

How much are union dues?

Union dues for new units are no more than 2% of your wages and are 100% tax-deductible. You won’t pay one cent until you vote in your first collective agreement. No benefits, no dues.

Does unionizing mean we’ll go on strike?

Strikes are very rare. You have control over strikes through a vote – a majority of your co-workers must be in favour to launch a strike. If that happens, we will provide you with strike pay.

The employer has promised us they’ll be rolling out improved pay and benefits in our store too. Why join a union if we’re promised the same benefits?

Employers can make any promises they want. Without a union, there’s no enforcement of those promises. It’s up to the employer whether they follow-through with promised wage increases. Even if they do, the benefits and pay negotiated at unionized stores often set the standard across other stores.

If more PetSmart stores join the union, it increases the bargaining power of all PerSmart workers to ask for even better wages, benefits, and working conditions.