Your union is you. Get involved!

Like any crew, your union works best when we pull together. Getting involved doesn’t mean you have to run for office or spend hours in meetings. Sometimes it starts with something as simple as showing up, asking questions or introducing yourself to your shop steward.  Here are some ways to get more involved.

Attend a local meeting
One of the easiest ways to get involved in your union is by attending your local meeting.
Local meetings are a great way to meet other workers from your area, hear different perspectives and learn more about how the union works.

You’ll hear updates about what’s happening in your workplace, what’s going on in bargaining and what the union is working on across the fleet. It’s your chance to ask questions, raise issues and vote on local union business.

Your local is run by elected officers, including your president and executive, who volunteer their time to make sure information flows between your union and your worksite. That work happens alongside their regular jobs; we’re grateful for their time and dedication.

Even if you just come to listen, showing up matters. In a union, the people who participate help shape what happens next.

Meet your shop steward
Your shop steward is your first point of contact when there’s a workplace issue or a question about the collective agreement. Stewards help enforce the contract, support members and make sure your voice is heard.

If you don’t know who your steward is, now’s a good time to find out. Next time there’s an issue, for you or someone else at work, you’ll know where to go.

Become a steward
If you want to support your coworkers, becoming a shop steward is one of the most important ways you can help your union.  When questions come up about the collective agreement, scheduling, discipline or working conditions, stewards are the first people coworkers turn to for help.

As a steward, you help ensure the collective agreement is respected and that people are treated fairly. You connect your workplace to your union by sharing information, raise concerns and make sure problems don’t go unnoticed.

It’s not always easy. Shop stewards take on this role in addition to their regular jobs, stepping in support coworkers and deal with issues that can be complicated and stressful. They do it because they care about fairness on the job and about looking out for the people they work with.

You won’t do it alone. Your union offers training and support, and experienced stewards and local executives are always there to help. Many stewards say the role helps them better understand the collective agreement, build confidence and develop leadership skills. Reach out to your local executive to learn more.

Join a committee
You can also get involved through union committees. This might include site safety committees or another committee. Committees bring members together to focus on specific issues in the workplace and across the union. They help shape priorities, develop ideas and make sure different voices are part of the conversation.

BCFMWU has several committees where members can contribute their experience and perspectives, including:

• Education Committee
• Finance Committee
• First Nations Vision Committee
• Human Rights Committee
• Mental Health Committee
• Women and Gender Equity Committee
• Young Workers Committee

Committee work is a great way to meet members, learn more about your union and help shape our direction. Reach out to your local executive to find out more or watch for calls for volunteers or expressions of interest.

Attend union education
The union regularly offers education sessions to help members learn more about their rights, the collective agreement and how unions work. They’re also a great way to meet other members and build skills.

Run for office
Our union is a democracy. We elect the people who represent us. Positions open regularly at the local and provincial level. If you care about the direction of the union and want to help lead, running for office is one way to do it.

Spread the word
Not everyone has time to take on a formal role, and that’s okay. Reading updates, sharing posts and talking with coworkers about what’s happening in the workplace all help build a stronger union.

The more members take part, ask questions and step up, the stronger we are when it matters most, whether that’s solving problems on the job or sitting across the bargaining table.

If you’ve been thinking about getting more involved, this is your sign.