Prospective members should be aware that their right to Union representation is guaranteed under the law, and that it is illegal for a Company to take action against an employee for seeking to form a Union or become organized.

The 10 Steps of the Certification Process are as follows:

• Initial contact with the Union results in a meeting between the employees seeking certification and the Union's representatives.
• Employees sign Application For Membership cards. Please note that all Applications for Membership are treated in the strictest confidence - your employer will never see these cards! Further, the Union always seeks sufficient membership cards for certification (minimum 55%), in order for a workplace vote.
• The Machinists Union applies to the Labour board for certification.
• A hearing is held at the Labour Board, where your Union will appear on your behalf.
• Assuming no valid objections are raised, the Labour Board will hold a vote for certification of a Union.
• The Union holds meetings with the employees to get proposals/demands for collective bargaining.
• Election of your Shop Steward and negotiating committee representative(s).
• Collective Bargaining sessions are held between the Company and the Union.
• Settlement of your Collective Agreement is always subject to ratification by majority vote of the employees in the Bargaining Unit.
• Only upon ratification of a collective agreement does the Machinists Union begin collecting dues from its new members.