How to Use your Collective Bargaining Agreement to solve problems in your workplace
Navigating workplace challenges can be daunting, but your collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is a powerful tool designed to protect your rights and improve your working conditions.
Whether you’re dealing with disputes over pay, safety concerns, or unfair treatment, understanding how to effectively use your CBA can be the difference between solving a problem, or seeing it escalate.
Your union is here to help you when you need an advocate in the workplace. The best place to start is with your steward and/or your union representative. Not sure who these people are? Have a look at your union bulletin board. If you can’t find them there, get in touch with us at reception@ufcw1518.com or 604.526.1518.
It is important to follow the correct procedure when bringing problems up with management. Following the right roadmap will help you to know who to talk to, ensure that you have documentation, and get help when you need it.
The illustration below outlines the process to resolve problems in the workplace. If you have noticed unsafe conditions at work, know that you always have the right to refuse unsafe work. As with resolving problems at work, there is an important procedure for refusing unsafe work, and you can read about that here.
Take Detailed Notes on the Issue
- What is the area of work? What are the names of other workers involved? What is happening?
- Has the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee been involved?
- Collect photos and keep emails and texts.
Talk to Management
Bring the issue to management’s attention.
OR
Talk to Your Shop Steward
Your shop steward can talk to management on your behalf, or they can give you advice
OR
Talk to Your UFCW 1518 Representative
- Your union rep can take over in discussions with management, or they can offer you advice on how to talk to management.
- Make sure to give your rep your name and what store you work in. Include all of the information you gathered earlier.
Take Detailed Notes on the Issue
- What is the area of work? What are the names of other workers involved? What is happening?
- Has the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee been involved?
- Collect photos and keep emails and texts.
Talk to Management
Bring the issue to management’s attention
OR
Talk to Your Shop Steward
Your shop steward can talk to management on your behalf or give you advice
OR
Talk to your UFCW 1518 Rep
- Your union rep can take over in discussions with management, or they can offer you advice on how to talk to management.
- Make sure to give your rep your name and what store you work in. Include all of the information you gathered earlier.