Across Canada, union membership has been declining for years. We believe this trend
reflects a growing disconnect between large, established unions and the evolving
needs of today’s workers. National and provincial labour bodies such as the Canadian
Labour Congress (CLC) and the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) have created
structures that often limit real choice and competition within the labour movement.
When unions are shielded from competition, accountability can weaken, innovation
slows, and members’ priorities risk being sidelined.
Too often, large unions negotiate at centralized tables that group together dozens of
workplaces. While this model may simplify administration, it can dilute the unique
concerns of individual workers and create contracts designed for uniformity rather
than excellence. Over time, some unions have become more focused on maintaining
dues revenue and institutional stability than on aggressively advancing workplace
improvements.
UCWA stands for a different approach. As an independent union, our primary
commitment is to represent our members directly and assertively. We believe workers
deserve a union that sits face-to-face with their employer, focused solely on their
workplace — not one voice among many at a centralized bargaining table. Healthy
competition within the labour movement encourages unions to be responsive,
innovative, and results-driven.
Unions were built by workers, for workers. It’s time to restore that principle by
ensuring accountability, choice, and strong representation remain at the heart of the
labour movement.
We are a Canadian union with no affiliation to unions in the United States. This means 100% of your union dues stay in Canada and support Canadian workers.
Our dues are lower because we are not affiliated with OFL, CLC, or unions in the USA. Those savings are passed directly to our members.
Our union negotiates on members’ behalf for better wages and benefits while ensuring employers meet their obligations through strong legal representation.
Job security is built into legally binding collective agreements that protect workers from unfair or arbitrary treatment.
Unionizing is not just about wages. It is about ensuring every worker is treated with dignity and respect in the workplace.
Health and safety protections are built into collective agreements and reinforced by law, not just workplace policies.
In Ontario, union activity is protected under the Labour Relations Act 1995. Employers cannot punish workers for supporting a union or signing union cards.
Many unionized workers benefit from defined contribution pensions, employer-matched RRSPs, or multi-employer pension plans.
With a union you are never alone in workplace disputes. Trained representatives backed by a legal team stand with you.
The United Canadian Workers Association (UCWA) is committed to representing workers through fairness, collective action, and democratic leadership.
My mission as Union President is to serve, protect, and empower our members through strong representation, democratic leadership, and unwavering solidarity. I am committed to defending workers’ rights, negotiating fair wages and safe working conditions, and ensuring every member is treated with dignity and respect. Together, we will build a united, transparent, and accountable union that gives workers a strong voice at work and a better future for their families.
Every employer — from the smallest business to the largest corporation, and every level of government has a responsibility to treat workers with dignity and respect. That means fair wages, strong benefits, safe workplaces, and real job security. When you join UCWA, you become part of one of Canada’s most diverse unions. Our strength comes from the wide range of industries we represent.
Together, we stand united across industries and professions with one common purpose: protecting workers, raising standards, and building a better future for all.
2800 Skymark Avenue, Suite 200
Mississauga, Ontario L4W 5A6
info@ucwa.net
416 909 2982
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