Know Your Rights
Protecting Your Rights at Work
At IUPAT, every member deserves more than just fair wages - they deserve respect, protection, and a voice on the job. Your rights at work are backed by your union, ensuring you are treated fairly, work safely, and have support when something isn’t right.
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Whether you’re on a jobsite, starting your career, or facing a workplace issue, understanding your rights gives you the confidence to speak up and take action. Through your union, those rights are not just promises—they are enforced and protected every day.
Every worker is entitled to fundamental protections that promote fairness, dignity, and safety on the job. These rights exist to ensure you are treated with respect and have a voice in your workplace.
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You have the right to:
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Be paid fairly and on time for all hours worked, including any applicable overtime
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Work in a safe and healthy environment where hazards are properly addressed
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Be free from harassment, discrimination, and any form of unfair treatment
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Raise concerns, ask questions, or report workplace issues without fear of discipline or retaliation
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Join, support, and actively participate in a union
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In a unionized workplace, these rights are strengthened through your Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The CBA sets clear standards for wages, working conditions, and dispute resolution, and ensures your rights are actively enforced with the support of your union.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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A Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is a legally binding contract between your union and your employer that sets:​
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Wages and pay structure
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Working hours and overtime rules
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Benefits and pension contributions
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Health and safety standards
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Discipline and termination procedures
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Why it matters
Working under a union agreement means:
✔ Protection from unjust termination (“just cause”)
✔ Standardized wages and regular increases
✔ Strong health, benefits, and pension plans
✔ Clear rules for layoffs, scheduling, and overtime
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What You Should Know in Your Agreement
Every member should be familiar with:
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Wages & Pay: rates, increases, overtime rules
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Hours & Scheduling: shifts, breaks, overtime
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Health & Safety: protections and training
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Grievance Process: how to resolve issues
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Employer Rights: what management can and cannot do
Tip: Keep a copy of your agreement and speak to your steward or rep if unsure.
Your Rights Under Canadian Labour Law
As a worker, you are protected by labour laws that ensure fairness, safety, and freedom of representation in the workplace.
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Your Fundamental Rights:
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You have the right to union representation.
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Your employer cannot discipline, dismiss, or retaliate against you for exercising your rights
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Your union has a legal duty to represent you fairly and in good faith
Key Protections in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba
Across these provinces, workers have the legal right to:
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Join, support, and participate in a union
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Be free from employer interference, intimidation, or coercion during organizing efforts
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Refuse unsafe or dangerous work without fear of reprisal
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Receive proper wages, including overtime pay where applicable
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File complaints or raise concerns without retaliation
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Certain actions by an employer may be violations of your rights or your collective agreement. Knowing the warning signs can help you take action early.
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Watch for situations like:
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Being paid below the agreed union rate or offered off-the-books “cash deals”
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Not receiving pay for all hours worked, including travel, prep, or cleanup time
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Being asked to perform unsafe work or having safety concerns ignored
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Discipline or termination without proper cause or due process
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Being discouraged or pressured not to contact your union
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Being called into meetings without the option for union representation
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Receiving incorrect, incomplete, or delayed pay
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Non-union workers performing work covered under the union agreement​
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If something doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts. It’s better to ask questions early than to deal with a larger issue later - your union is there to support you.
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A grievance is a formal complaint when your employer may have violated your rights or failed to follow agreed standards.
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This can include violations of:
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Your Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
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Labour laws or employment standards
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Workplace policies or procedures
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Common issues include:
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Unfair discipline or termination
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Pay or benefit discrepancies
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Unsafe working conditions
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Harassment or discrimination
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How the Grievance Process Works
1. Report the Issue Early
Deadlines are often short (typically 5–15 days), so act quickly
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2. Document Everything
Keep records of dates, conversations, messages, and witnesses
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3. Follow the Process
Issues typically move from informal discussion to a written grievance, and may proceed to arbitration if unresolved
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4. Work with Your Union
Your union representative will:
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File and manage the grievance
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Represent your interests
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Guide you through each step
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Workers have a legally protected right to organize and pursue union representation. This process is protected under provincial labour laws and is intended to ensure that workers can make informed decisions about unionizing without pressure or interference.
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As a worker, you have the right to:
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Speak openly with your coworkers about forming or joining a union
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Seek information and contact a union representative in a confidential manner
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Sign union authorization cards to support organizing efforts
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Participate in a certification process, including voting in a union representation vote
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Take part in organizing activities without fear of discipline, discrimination, or reprisal
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Employer Limitations During Organizing
Employers are legally required to remain neutral and must not interfere with your rights. This means they cannot:
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Threaten, intimidate, or coerce workers in relation to union activity
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Promise raises, promotions, or improved conditions to discourage organizing
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Monitor, restrict, or interfere with union discussions or meetings
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Discriminate against or single out employees for supporting a union
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Employers cannot “close the business” and reopen under a new name performing the same services​
Organizing is your right. The law is in place to ensure that your choice to support, or not support, a union is made freely and without influence.
TAKE ACTION
Know Your Rights. Use Them.
Understanding your rights is essential - but taking action is what ensures those rights are respected and upheld.
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If something doesn’t seem right:
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Ask questions and seek clarification
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Speak with your steward or union representative
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Contact DC17 for guidance and support
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Raising concerns early can prevent larger issues later. You are not expected to handle workplace problems on your own - your union is here to support and advocate for you every step of the way.
