FAQ

When can we join a union or change unions?

1)   A petition for certification can be filed at any time if there is not already a certified union representing a specified group of employees (section 22a of the Quebec Labour Code).

2)   If there is already a union, employees can change unions in the following circumstances:

a) Employees can re-apply for certification when a union has been certified for twelve months but has not been able to sign a collective agreement (s. 22b.1).

b) When the existing collective agreement is due to be renewed, certification may be applied for at the following times:

•   from the 90th to the 60th day before the end of a collective agreement that is valid for up to three years (s. 22d);

•   deadlines may vary in the case of agreements signed for more than three years (s. 22e);

•   any time that a collective agreement has not been renewed within nine months of the date upon which it expires, regardless of the term of the agreement (s. 22c).

3)   In addition, an independent union or a “shop committee” can affiliate with the CSN at any time upon special agreement to that effect even while an existing collective agreement is still in force.