Better Job Security. Wage Transparency. Safer Workplace.

Rain or Shine workers at Kitsilano and UBC have already formed a union – and you have a right to join them.

Rain or Shine workers deserve fairness at work through wage transparency and a safer workplace. Joining UFCW 1518 puts the power of a union behind you, fighting for what you deserve. We will work together to create long-lasting improvements to your job, using the collective agreement to protect your rights and outline a process for ensuring you are treated with respect & dignity.

Last year, Earnest Ice Cream workers unionized to scoop up major gains in job security and higher wages. Rain or Shine workers deserve the same. Together you can be even stronger in demanding a safer workplace, wage transparency, and better job security.

If you are a Rain or Shine worker interested in learning more about what’s going on, get in touch with an Organizer by entering your details in this form. An Organizer will be in touch with you with more information.

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How do I join the Rain or Shine union?

Connect with us confidentially

Use our Contact form 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. Know that 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 join the union!

You and your co-workers would be immediately begin the bargaining process with fellow Rain or Shine workers from Kitsilano and UBC. Together, you will negotiate an agreement with your employer that spells out your wages, benefits, respect and job security.

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?

All unionized workplaces have a mutually agreed upon employment contract known as a collective agreement. This collective agreement will secure your current wages, perks and other working conditions. Union members decide on what changes they want their union to make. Below is what your co-workers are saying are their priorities:

  • Wage Transparency
    • A union will negotiate a fair wage scale that provides workers with regular pre-approved wage increases! This will guarantee you get raises based on the amount of hours you work.
    • Tips belong to workers, and it’s against the law for management to take a cut of them. UFCW 1518 will negotiate a worker approved process of how to distribute tips.
  • More say in your Flexible Scheduling
    • Joining a union will give workers a say over how scheduling is done. If you want flexible scheduling, that can be negotiated! It’s all negotiable, from staffing levels, length of shifts, and limits to split-shifts, how changes are permitted, and required notice of the posting of schedule (1, 2, 3 weeks in advance), etc.
  • Stronger Health and Safety Standards
    • Producing, handling, storing, moving, and scooping ice cream is hard work. A union ensures workplace safety regulations around temperature and product storage/handling are being followed.
    • Your union can help train Rain or Shine workers to be Health and Safety representatives in the workplace.
  • Professional Advocacy & Support
    • With a union, workers are not left alone with management to deal with their problems. Union members have access to union stewards, health and safety representatives, union representatives, accommodation representatives, labour lawyers, workers compensation lawyers, as well as any other expert your union determines, is needed.
    • This does not prevent you from having open lines of communication to management. In fact, your union will recommend workers reach out first to management to resolve any issues they may be having or to share concerns. However, your union is there for you if you need support after that first step.

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.

Do I lose flexibility in my scheduling if Rain or Shine unionizes?

It’s all up to what you and your co-workers want to negotiate for. If you like your current scheduling process, you’ll negotiate to keep that. If you and your co-workers want to make changes, you’ll negotiate for those changes.

Can I still talk directly to management/owners? I don’t want this to be an us vs them situation.

Yes – you can definitely talk to management/owners at any point in time. Being a union member does not prevent you from doing that. Open communication is key! Joining a union is not about fighting management. It’s about protecting the parts of your work that you already like, providing transparency for all workers, and being able to fight for fair changes with one voice.