What is the largest national labour federation?
(CLC) Canadian Labour Congress
National
CLC
Provincial / Territory level
Labour Federations - act as the coordinating bodies for the labour movement in each area
Municipal / Regional Level
Labour Councils - are the coordinating body for joint union activity
Workplace
Local Union
Local Union
is the cornerstone of union structure; are smaller units of a larger union
–> first level of the structure
–> A local is created when workers at one or more work
sites (from the same employer or type) come together to form an independent union
or join an existing one
- -> Local unions can vary considerably in size
- —> no “typical” local size –> b/c the size of the local = depends on the specific characteristics of the employer & the employees
–> The structure of the local union is designed to put
the principles of collectivism and democracy into action
—–> in fact, many of the most important functions of unions = take place at the local level
Structure of the Local Union
The internal structure of Canadian unions is “only lightly regulated” by law
–> most only requires unions to file their constitutions w/ the appropriate labour relations board + make regular financial reports to the membership
–> beyond those minimal requirements, the union membership = generally free to structure the union as it sees fit
–> The union is expected to operate in a manner that is free from discrimination and allows democratic participation
Structure of The Union (2)
Members elect a union executive to run the local union
–> two other positions: Shop Stewards, Business Agent
Shop Steward
union members who investigate individual workers’ complaints or grievances & act as the the workers’ advocate to management
–>is the union’s first-line representative–the person whom workers will approach if a situation = arises in the workplace where the worker requires immediate assistance from the union
Business Agent
**Note: larger local unions = often have a paid staff to assist in the administration of the union’s operations
–> this individual = responsible for handling day-to-day union functions & assisting the executive members in their jobs
–> plays a significant role in important union activities (contract negotiations & grievance handling)
–>often has a lot of responsibility and power
–> Advantage: remain permanent; acquires in-dept knowledge of the union and its operations
Structure of the Local Union
Locals may also employ administrative or secretarial support staff
–> Locals may also employ administrative or secretarial support staff
–> Local union members pay monthly dues to finance
the union’s work
Local union carries out 3 major functions
- Dealing with workplace problems or grievances
- Collective bargaining
- Political or social activity
(2) factors determine whether the union’s actions are actually those that the majority of the membership desires
- Experienced business agents –> has more power & influence over the executives (turnover on a regular basis)
- the portion of union members who ACTUALLY participate in votes or discussions
Iron Law of Oligarchy
another problem caused by low membership participation in union activities
–> states if the majority of the membership of any organization does not consistently participate in the organization’s operations –> leadership of the organization eventually becomes concentrated in the hands of an elite group who are not easily removed from the positions of power
- -> explains effects such as union executive members serving multiple terms
- -making it difficult for other, non-executive union members to oppose them
Regional, National, and International Unions
Most local unions belong to a larger regional, national,
or international union, known as a parent union
“International” Union in Canada
usually one based in the US
“National” Union
is based on Canada
“Regional” Union
for practical reasons, has a specific attachment to a region
The generic term for regional, national, and international unions
Parent Unions
Structure of Parent Unions
Parent unions are structured like local unions, with elected executives and paid staff, and are financed through individual member dues
- -> parent union executives = also include representation from constituencies within the union
- —Ex: Regional, National, International usually has its own representatives
–> either elected by the entire membership or elected directly by delegates who are expected to represent the views of the members at the local level
Structure of Parent Unions (2)
Parent unions engage in decision-making through
an annual convention or congress
Convention or Congress
a meeting that is usually held annually
–> each local union = entitled to send delegates to the convention
Delegates:
- hear reports on the union’s activities
- vote on issues
- general policies (request for a formal motion of support)
- decide policies & directions parent unions
Functions of Parent Unions
designed both to support the work of the locals & to maintain the overall health of the union as a whole
–> Help in the creation of local unions
–> Support a local’s ongoing activities,
–>Offer collective bargaining advice
–> Conduct educational programs
–> Represent members on labour councils, provincial
or national labour federations
–> Parent unions are financed through individual
members’ dues
Help in the creation of local unions
by providing the services of a trained organizer who will guide potential union members through the process of gaining legal recognition for the new local
