Vote or Card Count
The basic steps of forming a union are the same throughout the country. Learn about Joining a Union in Canada—Five Steps.
However, depending on the province you are in and what industry you work in, union recognition is either won through a vote or by a card count.
Find out how your province certifies unions.
Alberta – Vote
In Alberta, if at least 65% of employees have signed union cards, the Labour Board can arrange a vote to be held, usually within 15 business days.
British Columbia – Vote
In British Columbia, if at least 45% of employees have signed union cards, the Labour Board can arrange a vote to be held within 10 days.
Manitoba – Card Count
In Manitoba, if more than 40% of employees have signed cards, the Labour Board can certify the union.
New Brunswick – Card Count
In New Brunswick, if more than 60% of employees have signed cards, the Labour Board can certify the union. When 40% - 60% of employees have signed cards, the Labour Board will hold a vote.
Newfoundland and Labrador – Card Count
In Newfoundland and Labrador, if more than 65% of employees have signed cards, the Labour Relations Board will certify the union without holding a vote. When at least 40% but less than 65% of employees sign union cards, the Labour Relations Board will hold a certification vote, generally within 5 working days.
Nova Scotia – Vote
In Nova Scotia, if at least 40% of employees have signed union cards, the Labour Board can arrange a vote to be held within 5 days.
Ontario – Vote
In Ontario, if at least 40% of employees have signed union cards, the Labour Board can arrange a vote to be held within 5 business days.
Prince Edward Island – Card Count
In Prince Edward Island, the Labour Board can certify a union when over 55% of employees have signed union cards, and can set up a vote if between 50% - 55% of employees have signed cards.
Quebec – Card Count
In Quebec, if more than 50% of employees have signed union cards, the Labour Board can certify the union. Otherwise, with between 35% - 50% in cards, the Labour Board will hold a vote.
Saskatchewan – Vote
In Saskatchewan, if at least 45% of employees have signed union cards, the Labour Board can arrange a vote to be held.
Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut – Card Count
For workplaces in the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut, if 50% of employees or more have signed cards, the Canada Industrial Relations Board can certify your union. The USW usually sets a target of more than 50% support on cards before we apply to the Board.
Industries covered by Federal labour law – Card Count
People working in Broadcasting, Telecommunications, Banking, Air transportation, Shipping and navigation, Interprovincial or international transportation of goods or passengers, Uranium mining and processing, Grain handling, and Federal crown corporations are covered by Federal labour law.
For workplaces in industries covered by Federal labour law, if 50% of employees or more have signed cards, the Canada Industrial Relations Board can certify your union. The USW usually sets a target of more than 50% support on cards before we apply to the Board.
