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On the first day of the job, a young worker is asked, “Have you ever worked in a unionized position?”
Most don’t understand what this means, or how a unionized position differs from the alternative. Over time, their understanding will grow, and about 30% of workers become active in their union. They will hoist signs at rallies, attend meetings or sit at the bargaining table. They will soon speak the union lingo, understand and appreciate labour relations, and share their passion with new colleagues who are asked that very same question.
This is the story of thousands of Nova Scotians who are involved with their unions. Unions are more than just a bargaining agent, although this is of course one of their most important roles. In representing workers, unions tackle a variety of issues and provide a home base for workers of all stripes.
“My introduction to union activism and the labour movement began after I had children. I had questions about maternity leave and other parental rights, but few answers. When my kids were born moms took a couple of months off then returned to work. We didn’t have top-up or maternity leave, to speak of,” says Janet Hazelton, president of the Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union.
That was over thirty years ago, now much has been said and learned about the history of the labour movement – the people who marched for some of the most basic workers’ rights. Often in conversations about the history of unions, the question inevitably arises, are unions still needed in today’s workforce?
“Almost everyone has a different story about why they became involved. Whether they witnessed some level of injustice or questionable favouritism on the job, bullying, unsafe working conditions, unfair or inequitable labour practices - the list goes on. Today, more than ever, unions provide a platform to speak up, the mechanisms to right many wrongs, and the solidarity necessary to feel supported”, says Hazelton.
For more than a century, unions have served as the backbone of the labour movement. They fight not only for those they represent, but for all workers. Today the labour movement is fighting for a $15 minimum wage, enough for Nova Scotians to support their families. They’re fighting for women and minorities to have equal opportunities, because they still lag behind in wages and leadership positions. They’re fighting for improved safety standards in the workplace, because everyone deserves to return home safely at the end of the day.
These goals may seem lofty, but unions are built on big goals. The biggest perhaps being the core belief that workers deserve a voice and representation.
In their day-to-day activities, when unionists are not hitting the picket lines, they’re simply supporting workers. Union work is not always flashy. For every rally you see on the news, there are countless hours spent mediating grievances, helping workers and employers find resolutions for issues small and large, ensuring that collective agreements are being honoured, and planning for the next round of bargaining. It’s paperwork, meetings, time, energy and commitment.
One of the most important things unions do is work with employers to improve workplace conditions. The Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union, for example, has worked for years with the government and employers to make health care environments safer for workers and patients. Safe from violence, bullying, physical injury and emotional abuse. It is one thing to have contract language requiring certain safety standards, but it is quite another to find ways to make those standards achievable. As unions say, It’s Not Part of the Job!
“I speak to nursing students shortly before they graduate about their rights as workers and the value of unions. I encourage them to read and ask questions about their collective agreement, and to be responsible and reliable employees. They won’t get involved in their union right away, but eventually they will gain an appreciation for what unions can achieve.”
Unions create balance between employers and workers. That need has never wavered, even as great strides have been made to improve labour legislation and working conditions. For every success, as is the natural course of life, there is another major issue waiting to be tackled. As long as unions are able to do their work, we will continue to make life better for workers in Nova Scotia and across Canada. That is, and has always been, the purpose of the labour movement.
