Why You Should Join NOWU

Statistically in Canada, Organized Labour is shrinking. This trend has been happening for a long time and we believe that this is happening because Unions have failed to evolve to the needs of their members. Organizations such as CLC and OFL have stifled workers from getting better improvements to their contracts and working conditions. These organizations protect “Big Unions” and stop workers from joining other Unions. This enables Unions to become lazy and apathetic and without fear of competition. “Big Unions” have forgotten why workers join Unions it has become a business to them. They negotiate at central tables to decrease the competition amongst each other and to create a level playing field so workers don’t change Unions. They have turned into Due’s collection agencies and not trade Unions. It's time for change, NOWU is an aggressive independent Union that has beaten central agreements every time. Representing diverse members and protecting them from the Employer is our Number 1 goal. If you join NOWU, you will be face to face with your employer. Not a voice lost among dozens of Hospitals or Nursing Homes that are trying to survive at a "Central Negotiating Table". When competition is alive and active, it breeds the need to become advanced, superior, and different than those you compete with. NOWU believes that by re-introducing competition in the Labour Movement, that all workers in Canada will benefit as a result. We believe that 'Big Unions' shouldn't be rewarded for lazy service by keeping their members simply because they're affiliated (using your dues) to the CLC & OFL. Unions were started for the people and by the people.

How is NOWU Different?

Bag of Money

Cheaper Union Dues

NOWU's Union dues are 1.4%, one of the cheapest in the Labour Movement. The "Big Unions" in Ontario charge their members a much higher dues rate.

Being a member of one of the 'Big Unions' can be expensive. They are charging their members as much as 1.8% in Union dues. Sometimes they charge additional money for an 'educational fund' fee. NOWU Members only pay 1.4% and dues breaks are given to many members.

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100% Canadian

NOWU is proudly Canadian. At NOWU no membership dues will be spent across the border.

Many of the 'Big Unions' originated in the United States and currently have a mass majority of their membership south of the border (ex. SEIU Healthcare). American based Unions have a percentage of their Union Dues that go south of the border. NOWU is and always will be 100% Canadian, with absolutely zero of our members Union Dues going to the USA.

Non Political

Non-Partisan

At NOWU, membership dues will not go to politicians. This Differs from most Unions which often contribute large amounts of membership dues in support of political parties without their members consent.

NOWU will never contribute to any political party without the consent of the members. We value the hard work of our members and take the Union dues they pay very seriously. NOWU will only ever contribute to a political party if they are given democratic support by their members.

Over Crowded

Member Cap

Many 'Big Unions' overload their Union reps. NOWU caps 1 Union rep per 1000 members. Which provides our members better service.

If you've ever been a part of a bigger union you've probably found it difficult to reach a union rep in a time of need. This is because other 'Big Unions' have upwards of 2000 members assigned to each Union rep. Some Unions try to solve this by having call centres, which waste a large portion of Union dues and doesn't solve the problem.

Money and Coins

Dues Breaks

At NOWU, we understand that people go through tough times financially. In addition to having some of the cheapest Union dues in Ontario, NOWU lowers the dues from 1.4% to 1.0% for eligible members.

  • NOWU Union Stewards
  • NOWU Joint Health & Safety Representatives
  • Members who are 60 or older
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A True Local Structure

After joining NOWU members will either become part of an existing local, or form a new local within our democratic structure.

NOWU has a true local structure. This means we have multiple executive boards that make decisions for our units within their autonomous structures. Our local unions are structured to be a group of workers or workplaces that have a similar sector, and or geographic locations. For example, issues units face in Toronto are often different from those outside the GTA.

How Do I Join NOWU?

Step #1The Open Period If you are already unionized, you must determine your 'open period'. Which happens within the last 3 months of your Collective Agreement.
Step #2Membership CardSign a NOWU Membership card and submit it to NOWU.
Step #3Card AssessmentA NOWU Organizer will contact you using the information you provided on the membership card. All phone conversations are private and confidential.
Step #4Membership Threshold At least 40% of your workplace / bargaining unit needs to sign a NOWU Membership card before an application can be filed to the Ontario Labour Relations Board.
Step #5File the Application When enough membership cards are signed and NOWU is confident in the success of your organizing campaign, an application will be filed with the Labour Board.
Step #6One Week WaitThe Ontario Labour Boards normal practice is a vote being held in your workplace 1 week after the date of application. Currently, in Covid times, the OLRB is conducting electronic voting.
Step #7Vote Day If 51% or more vote in favour of NOWU, then you are victorious. Congratulations!

Questions & Answers

Once your current Union discovers you and your co-workers are in the process of upgrading to NOWU, prepare to see them more than ever before. We have seen a bunch of different tactics over the years, like:False Anti-NOWU propaganda, promises, BBQ's, lunches, distributing Union gear (SWAG), and even the President making appearances. They will try everything once they know you're leaving, in order to keep your Union Dues.

No. Section 86 of the Ontario Labour Relations Act freezes your current contract or working conditions in place. If you are a hospital worker, HOOPP is a condition of employment, and has nothing to do with Union affiliation.

Article 4 of the CLC Constitution prevents members in a CLC Union (ex. SEIU, CUPE, Teamsters) from transferring to another CLC Union. It locks you into place with your existing Union. Your only option is to join a Non-CLC Union like NOWU.

The laws set out in the Ontario Labour Relations Act protect you during this process. Your employer is supposed to remain completely neutral, although we sometimes see them siding with the Union currently in place. Wonder why? Because they know NOWU has a reputation of an aggressive servicing model.

Quite simply, less waste. The 'Big Unions' spend a portion of their members Union dues on:CLC & OFL affiliations, political contributions, headquarters based in the USA, gigantic unnecessary offices, multiple councils, amongst other things. NOWU staff are trained to be lean, mean, and green, utilizing modern technology to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and leave a smaller carbon footprint.

Union Glossary

Displacement is when you transfer from one Union to another. (ex. 1000 Mount Sinai Hospital members displaced SEIU Healthcare and upgraded to NOWU)

Decertification is when you completely remove your Union from your workplace.

A Union Representative (Rep) is paid staff that works for the Union as a Labour Relations Specialist. A Union Steward is an NOWU member who represents their co-workers in their specific workplace.

The timeframe in which you can file a displacement or decertification application. This is within the last 3 months before your current Collective Agreement expires. *Note* If you have a Collective Agreement which exceeds 3 years, an additional open period occurs each year thereafter. (ex. If you have a 4 year Collective Agreement, there is an open period at the end of year 3 & 4).

A Collective Agreement is a contract between the Union and your Employer detailing your specific rights and benefits.

Is when a Union negotiates many Collective Agreements at the same time. This process can make it difficult for your individual needs to be addressed, as many voices across many contracts are being heard simultaneously. NOWU does not believe Central Negotiations are an effective method for negotiating.

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Lesau Felix Mount Sinai Hospital

"NOWU has had our backs since before we even got a contract. They are not afraid to take management head on, and not back down from a difficult situation."

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Diane DaCosta Humber River Hospital

"NOWU leadership have an incredible amount of experience, which has helped Humber River Hospital workers become stronger and more protected."

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Marleen Santos Mount Sinai Hospital

"We faced many adversities at Mount Sinai Hospital from our previous Union. Don't be fooled by any misinformation SEIU spreads, we are in a far better place with NOWU."

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Monica Ramkelawan Humber River Hospital

"In September 2019 I voted to remove TEAMSTERS and make the upgrade to NOWU. I made this decision due to their extensive Healthcare knowledge and experience, and their willingness to take action."

NOWU Savings Program

Although Union Dues are tax-deductible, being a member of a Union should offer you tangible benefits you can enjoy on a daily basis. Times are tough, and NOWU$ puts more money back in your pocket. NOWU$ offers its members savings to local business they actually use, like; Restaurants, Auto Repair, Towing, Gym's, Clubs, Insurance, Wellness, and many more!

** Please note some discounts may be temporarily suspended due to Covid-19. We apologize for any inconvenience. **

Listed below are the discounts available to all NOWU Members. Just be sure to have your employee Id card ready when you pay.

Use the map below to find a discount.

All map icons were made by: icons8.com

Contact Us

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Head Office

5625 Timberlea Blvd,

Mississauga On, L4W 2S4

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Phone #

T:905-672-3230

Contact an Organizer

Tim Oribine Photo

Tim Oribine

National President

  • 905-301-7916
  • tim@nowu.ca