Equal in our rights

Do you dream of a workplace where your rights are respected, where everyone is treated fairly, and where diversity is truly valued?

With Unifor, it’s possible. Unionizing means opening a dialogue with your employer and gaining the tools to claim what you rightfully deserve—through respect and collaboration.

Unifor brings peace of mind. Because with a union, you know your employer can’t bend the rules or exploit grey areas to impose unfair decisions. The union is there to make sure everyone’s rights are upheld and that every individual is treated with fairness.

In the hospitality sector, none of our workplaces have experienced a strike or lockout in over 20 years. Why? Because we know how to negotiate responsibly—improving working conditions while maintaining a stable and respectful environment.

Our members come from all corners of the world. And we’re proud of that diversity.

By coming together, we build a strong voice to move forward, demand respect and fairness, and secure working conditions that reflect the true value of our work.

For decades, we’ve represented the hospitality industry. Many major names in Quebec have chosen Unifor:

• Centre Sheraton Montréal
• Fairmont Château Montebello, Mont-Tremblant, and Frontenac
• Delta Hotel in Montréal
• InterContinental Montréal
  …and many more!

It’s our deep knowledge of the sector that has allowed us to negotiate some of the best working conditions. Here are just a few examples:

• At the Centre Sheraton and Delta in Montréal, room attendants will benefit from a digital tipping program.
• At the InterContinental Montréal, we negotiated salary increases totaling 27% over 5 years, a 7th week of vacation after 30 years of service, the addition of a racial justice advocate, fair probation terms for new hires, and much more!

For more information about the working conditions negotiated with Unifor, contact Michel Bélanger at 514-258-9792.

A union for everyone

Unifor is an inclusive union that reflects the diversity of its members. We prioritize diversity, take concrete steps toward inclusion, and place it at the heart of our negotiations. For instance, we’ve secured leave for individuals who are victims of domestic violence.

One concrete example is Unifor’s innovative Women’s Advocate Program: these workplace representatives are specially trained to support women facing situations like harassment, domestic violence, or abuse.

Unifor represents 320,000 members, making it the largest private-sector union in Canada. Across the country, we defend the rights of all workers—whether employed or unemployed.

By unionizing with Unifor, you strengthen your bargaining power and gain access to:

• salary increases

• a better pension plan (Fonds de solidarité FTQ)

• more social leave (vacation, sick days, etc.)

• recognition of your seniority

• improved health and safety in the workplace

• shift and department premiums

About union dues

No surprises: union dues are only collected after a collective agreement is signed.

And they:

• are calculated only on regular hours

• are collected only on hours worked

• are not taken from premiums or overtime

• are not taken from employees on sick leave (work-related or not) or unpaid leave

• are collected only on hours worked for members in gradual retirement

You have the right to join a union and fight for better working conditions—without fearing repercussions at work, whether from your employer or your colleagues. Union membership is 100% confidential—did you know that? That means your employer has no way of knowing who signed a union card. The law protects you every step of the way.

Both Canadian and Quebec laws recognize your right to belong to a union, as well as to participate in its formation and activities. They also prohibit any form of intimidation, threats, or retaliation against an employee who chooses to unionize. From the moment a group of workers requests union certification, the employer is prohibited from altering wages or working conditions.

The right to unionize is a fundamental right in our society. Our labor laws exist to ensure you can exercise this right peacefully, freely, and confidentially. Here are a few key provisions:

Don’t worry—we’re here for you, with you, through every step of the union certification process:

1. Signing Unifor membership cards
It all starts with your signature—confidential and protected by law.
2. Submission of cards to the Administrative Labour Tribunal (TAT)
Unifor submits the signed cards for a quick validity check.
3. Freeze on working conditions
Once the cards are validated, your current working conditions are protected throughout negotiations.
4. General assembly and elections
Take part in electing the representatives who will defend your interests.
5. Start of negotiations with your employer
This is where things get serious—let’s push for what you deserve!
6. Vote on the agreement
You decide whether to accept the negotiated terms.
7. Implementation of the collective agreement
A new chapter begins for you and your colleagues!

We encourage you to keep the unionization process confidential
If word spreads about union efforts, expect your employer to suddenly offer certain benefits to win you over. These are usually temporary and part of a strategy to create doubt and weaken support.
Stay vigilant and united: keep an eye out and document any suspicious actions from management.

Already unionized?
The law provides for what’s called an open period. During this defined timeframe, workers have the right to reassess their union allegiance. It’s a legal window allowing you—if you wish—to choose another union, like Unifor, for stronger representation.
It’s not a leap of faith—it’s a thoughtful decision to gain stronger conditions, real support, and greater bargaining power.