Non-union employers in Atlantic Canada's construction
industry should be aware of the relative ease with which they can
become unionized and the significant impact that unionization can
have on the operation of their businesses.
THE CERTIFICATION OF UNION AS BARGAINING AGENT RULES
In Atlantic Canada unionization in the construction industry is
easier because secret ballot representation votes are rare.
The following issues that generally arise in a construction
industry certification application often take on added significance
because there is no secret ballot representation vote:
- Does the work fall within construction industry
work? Construction industry work has a unique meaning in
the labour relations context. If non-unionized employees perform
work in the construction industry, employers should learn sooner
rather than later what they can (and cannot) do in response to
union organizing.
