BECOMING IBEW: CARD-BASED OR VOTE-BASED CERTIFICATION

October 14, 2020

In response to enquiries let’s review the process together.

The question is: How do the electricians and apprentices at a Company achieve representation by the IBEW in their employment with that Company?

The short answer is, if a significant majority of the employees at a Company sign-up to be represented by the IBEW, we could file an application to represent you automatically without the additional step of a vote. Ontario labour law recognizes your card-based evidence as support and having a similar effect as a vote.

Under the construction regulations the process of unionizing a Company is governed by the Ontario Labour Relations Act (OLRA). Under this legislation there are two ways to be certified as union employer.

Card-Based

If, over 55% of the employees at a Company wish to be represented by the IBEW through the “card check” process. This is done by either requesting and signing the electronic version offered through our web site, or a hand-signed paper copy.

The IBEW would file an application to certify to the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB).
The employer is served the application and has an opportunity to respond.
The OLRB compares the certification application with the response, and makes a determination as to whether the support is greater than 55%.
The OLRB issues a decision.

Vote-Based

If, between 40% and 55% of employees sign cards, a vote-based application can be made. The OLRB will review the application and the response and order a vote.

Both processes require signing cards to show support.
Votes are typically conducted at the company shop within 5 business days of the original application and employees present on the day of application may vote.*
An OLRB representative conducts the vote.
The Union and employer can appoint scrutineers to validate its fairness.
If over 50% of Company employees vote yes, the company will then be unionized.

At each step along the way, the process is designed to protect your confidentiality.

*Under the circumstances of COVID-19, the Labour Board has been conducting electronic votes.