Canadian labour law requires that every worker who is protected by a collective bargaining agreement must pay dues to the bargaining agent. The union negotiates and enforces the agreement for everyone in the bargaining unit. Under Canadian labour law, everyone who benefits contributes.
It’s part of a decades-old decision by Justice Ivan Rand that we call the Rand formula. But you only become a member of the union when you sign your membership card (also sometimes called ‘membership application’).
A Rand member is one who hasn’t signed a membership card. As a Rand, you are covered by all the provisions of the collective agreement. But UCTE cannot fully represent you—on a grievance, for example. Rand members in PSAC also don’t have voice and vote at union meetings, except to vote on whether or not to strike.
If you haven’t signed a union card, we invite you to take that step and gain access to all the benefits.
There are many other benefits for members in good standing:
- a free $10,000 life insurance policy,
- other group services and discounts, and
- UCTE’s scholarships.
To become a UCTE-PSAC member in good standing, please use this form.
