Don’t worry — we’re here with you, for you, and throughout the entire union certification process, which, let’s be clear, is fully, completely, and absolutely confidential.
Together, let’s make up for lost time!
Workers of Kraft Canada, join the largest private-sector union in Canada. Get the best working conditions — just like 320,000 Unifor members have for years!
/
Introduction
Get what you deserve with Unifor!
Workers of Kraft Canada,
You may have noticed that the quality of your working conditions can shift depending on the decisions made by your employer. Sometimes things are great — other times, not so much. And even when everything seems positive, there’s no guarantee it’ll stay that way.
So why leave those gains to chance?
By joining Unifor, you take control. You protect what you’ve earned, build on it, and ensure you have a real say in the decisions that affect your work life.
For some time now, we’ve been in conversations with several of your coworkers. Several workers have told us they would like to learn more about unionization. Interest in unionization appears to be growing.
Why unionize with Unifor?
Maybe you’re satisfied with your current conditions — and that’s totally valid. But without a union, there’s no guarantee those conditions will last.
A collective agreement gives you a strong foundation to build real protections, prevent rollbacks, and make sure decisions aren’t made without you. It turns temporary perks into lasting gains.
/
Benefits of being a union member
Benefits of being a union member
Real bargaining power
Right now, everything depends on the employer’s goodwill — and that’s never guaranteed. Without a union, they can choose to listen… or not.
Joining Unifor means giving yourselves the power to speak with one voice — and making sure that voice is heard and respected.
A trusted ally for your health and safety
With a union like Unifor, you have a team of representatives you can count on to support you when it comes to health and safety at work. Whether it’s about preventing risks, responding after an incident, or making sure it doesn’t happen again, the union is there to strengthen existing protections and ensure your rights are respected.
Unionizing means having a strong ally by your side — before, during, and after difficult situations, and most importantly, to help prevent them.
A level playing field for all
Unionizing means making sure everyone has the same chance to be recognized for their work — without taking anything away from anyone.
Wages, schedules, opportunities for advancement — everything becomes more transparent, more fair. No more wondering if someone’s getting twice the pay for the same job, or why some get special treatment others never had.
The rules are the same for everyone, and they’re clear — because they’re decided by the workers, for the workers.
The goal? To raise working conditions for the whole team, while making sure each person is valued for what they bring.
Secure your professional future
In an uncertain economic climate, unionizing means securing a safety net against arbitrary employer decisions. A union puts clear rules in place to regulate dismissals, prevent unfair layoffs, and ensure transparent processes.
It also gives you the opportunity to have your skills recognized and access reclassification that truly reflects the work you do.
Better wages
On average in Canada, according to 2024 data from Statistics Canada, unionized workers earn about 8% more than non-unionized workers!
Unionizing also means gaining access to a wide range of everyday benefits that truly make a difference — more vacation days, paid holidays, bonuses, and more — you get to decide!
/
Steps to join a union
How unionizing works
1. Signing your Unifor membership card
It all begins with your signature — confidential and protected by law. You can sign a physical card with an organizer or complete it yourself online.
A $2 fee is required when signing your card. This is standard in any unionization process in Québec, no matter the union. This symbolic amount formalizes your commitment.
2. Submission of the cards to the Administrative Labour Tribunal (TAT)
Unifor submits the signed cards to the TAT, where they are quickly verified for validity.
3. Freeze of current working conditions
Once the cards are validated, your current working conditions are protected throughout the negotiations.
4. General assembly and election
You’ll participate in electing the representatives who will speak on your behalf and defend your interests.
5. Start of negotiations with Kraft Canada
Now the real work begins — time to demand what you deserve!
6. Vote on the agreement
You’ll get to vote and decide whether to accept the negotiated agreement.
7. Implementation of the collective agreement
A new era begins for you and your coworkers!
/
Your rights
The law protects your right to unionize
You have every right to join a union to improve your working conditions — without fear of retaliation from your employer or your coworkers. Your membership is 100% confidential: Kraft Canada will never know who signed a union card. That confidentiality is protected by law at every step of the process.
Québec and Canadian laws recognize your fundamental right to join a union, form one, and participate actively in it. They also clearly prohibit any form of intimidation, threats, or retaliation against anyone who chooses to unionize.
As soon as a group of workers files a request to unionize, the employer is no longer allowed to change wages, schedules, or working conditions without the union’s agreement.
Unionizing is a right. And the law exists to make sure you can exercise that right freely, safely — and confidentially.
Here are just a few of the legal protections in place…
| Joining is your choice — freely and voluntarily | Confidentiality of the process | Safeguarding your working conditions |
| No one has the right to pressure, threaten, or intimidate you into joining — or not joining — a union, or to push you to leave one. Whether it’s coming from the employer or the union itself, that kind of behavior is strictly prohibited. Your decision to unionize must be entirely free, voluntary, and respected — and the law makes sure of it. |
No one will ever know if you signed a membership card. It’s confidential from start to finish — protected by law and upheld by the courts. |
As soon as a union certification request is filed, the employer can no longer change your working conditions — such as wages, schedules, or benefits — without the union’s written approval. It’s the law, and it ensures that nothing can be taken away or altered while workers organize and prepare to negotiate. |
/
Time to debunk the myths!
Time to debunk the myths!
« Union dues will lower my paycheck. »
No! Union dues are more than offset by the better wages and benefits negotiated through the union.
« Unions create conflict between employees and employers. »
No! Unions create constructive dialogue to improve working conditions for everyone.
« Collective bargaining takes too long and holds everything up. »
It’s true that bargaining can take time, but it’s a crucial investment to give workers a real voice and ensure their rights are protected. Through bargaining, we create true workplace democracy.
Plus, in Québec, the law provides tools to prevent negotiations from stalling: the Administrative Labour Tribunal can step in to help move the process forward if needed.
« Unionizing could lead to losing benefits. »
No! It is illegal for Kraft Canada to take away benefits in retaliation for unionizing. Unionization is about giving workers the power to negotiate their wages and benefits collectively.
/
The real questions
Ask yourself the real questions.
In some workplaces, it’s common to see employee committees representing their coworkers to the employer — and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, the intention behind these efforts is often a good one. But while this setup may feel reassuring at first glance, it raises important questions. And when you take a closer look, you quickly realize that, despite everyone’s best intentions, this system has real limitations.
A union is dedicated to supporting its members, protecting their jobs, and building solidarity in the workplace. So, what about your current committee that talks with the employer?
→ Are your representatives trained in labour relations? In other words: do they have the expertise to negotiate with your employer, handle grievances, or represent you before other bodies, like the CNESST?
→ Is your current committee acting alone? Can it truly exert pressure when it’s time to stand up to the employer? Can it offer legal advice or health and safety expertise?
Unifor brings a skilled team of labour relations experts — people who understand your day-to-day realities and workplace challenges. By unionizing, you strengthen your voice with the employer and make sure you’re not just heard — you’re truly listened to.
/
Choosing us
Why Unifor
A union for everyone
In short, Unifor is 320,000 members strong — the largest private-sector union in Canada. Across the country, we stand up for all workers, whether employed or unemployed.
By unionizing with Unifor, you gain stronger bargaining power and secure:
- Wage increases
- A more advantageous pension plan (Fonds de solidarité FTQ)
- More social leave (vacation, sick days, etc.)
- Recognition of your seniority
- Better health and safety protections at work
- Shift and department premiums
And since there are so many of you at Kraft Canada, you would have your own local union — a structure tailored to your reality, with all the advantages that come with it: autonomy in decision-making, the ability to act quickly based on your needs, and more!
About union dues
No surprises: union dues are only collected after a collective agreement is signed.
Plus, they:
- Are capped at 1.6% and calculated only on regular hours
- Are only deducted from hours actually worked
- Are not deducted from overtime
- Are not deducted if you’re on sick leave (whether work-related or not) or on unpaid leave
- Are only deducted from hours worked for those in phased retirement
/
Take action
Join Unifor
It’s time to take a stand for the respect, transparency, and fairness you deserve.
By unionizing with Unifor, you’re choosing to improve not only your own working conditions, but those of all your coworkers at Kraft Canada.
The power to make change is in your hands.
Michel Bélanger
michel.belanger@unifor.org
514 258-9792
André Hachey
andre.hachey@unifor.org
514 554-5941
Kraft Canada employees — take your future into your own hands.
Sign your card right now!Make your voice heard!
For more information about our union or to sign a Unifor membership card, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
Contact us