What are you Waiting For? Take Control of Your Future
Joining a labour union is one of the best and influential decisions a worker can make in his or her life. Unions have a long history of protecting the rights of workers, fighting for social justice and equality, and bettering the working lives of millions of Canadians.
Take Advantage of the Union Advantage
The long-term benefits of becoming a member of a union are enormous. Statistics show that in Canada, workers have far better working conditions, an average of 29% higher pay, superior benefits and pensions, longer paid vacation time, and safer and more democratic and egalitarian workplaces.
This so-called “union advantage” is even higher for women, People of Colour, persons with special needs, and part-time employees.
An Independent, Canadian Union
The Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC) is a proudly democratic, independent union consisting of thousands of workers from a variety of industries throughout British Columbia and Vancouver Island.
PPWC locals represent workers within thirty-six certifications, including health care, education, the wood industry, manufacturing, chemical plants and recycling, as well as working professionals and skilled trades persons. PPWC members work and live in dozens of communities throughout the province.
A Union Based on Democracy and Progressive Values
The Constitution of the PPWC is structured to maximize rank-and-file participation in national and local union affairs. National officers are fully accountable to our union’s National Executive Board and are elected by referendum ballot.
Our annual convention is held with delegates from each PPWC local, proportional to the number of local union members. Resolutions to amend the Constitution and promote social causes or political positions are vigorously debated and voted on.
Why the Public and Private Workers of Canada?
The PPWC is a truly democratic, independent and grassroots union, where your voice will be heard. Workers’ interests will be better served inside the PPWC, where you and your co-workers will be represented in the workplace and at the bargaining table.
The PPWC believes that working people in British Columbia and throughout Canada deserve better. When people come together and want to make a difference, they isn’t anything they can’t do. As the old saying goes: “United we stand strong.”
The PPWC is 100% Canadian and our dues stay here in Canada, which is very important to me. I’ve had great experiences with education, health and safety, and shop steward training. The investment with education, especially with younger members. The PPWC is a great union to be involved with, and I’ve had a great experience.
PPWC Executive Member
If you’re in a workplace that doesn’t have a union, look us up. We will fight for better wages, better working conditions, and stronger benefits. And all your dues stay right here in Canada. We don’t send money to American union headquarters. We fight for workers right here in Canada, through and through.
PPWC Executive Member
Something that’s very important for the PPWC to move forward in the future is to get younger workers organized. That’s something our union is always trying to accomplish, to build a larger and brighter future for the PPWC. We are always planning for anything that can happen in order to constantly progress and grow as a union.
PPWC Local 8 Member
I've been part of several unions. The thing I like most about the PPWC is the autonomy you have locally, the fact that you have a say in how money is spent and how you operate. The most important thing about belonging to a union is that someone always has your back. If you’re out there and feel like you need good representation and someone to talk to, get a hold of the PPWC. Somebody from the union will come out and talk to you. I think you’ll be very happy with your decision.
PPWC Local 9, Prince George, British Columbia
The PPWC is a very membership driven union that is very strong. And I’ve seen other unions that have permanent executive positions that don’t have accountability or credibility. It’s important for young people to understand the value of having a union to be your support. A union like the PPWC will give them the ability to stand up for their rights. Most importantly, unions make an enormous difference in health and safety standards and protecting workers from illness and accidents at work.
PPWC Health and Safety Officer
One of the reasons why I’m a member of the PPWC is that it’s a grounds-up organization. Every decision that is made in the union is made by the people on the floor. We don’t have business agents making our decisions for us. It’s important for workers to belong to unions because they protect our rights, our health and safety, and make sure that everyone gets treated fairly in the workplace. The PPWC is always willing to talk to people about their rights. If you want to contact us, we’d be glad to talk to you and make sure you’re protected in your workplace.
PPWC Local 15, Kimberley, British Columbia
The PPWC is driven from the membership upwards. We get to decide what happens. It’s all voted on. And being a women in a predominately male union, I feel my voice is heard and feel very accepted. There are always benefits to joining a union compared to a non-union job. If you don’t feel valued at your job by your company, you can always give the PPWC a call and we can explain how a union can help you and your co-workers.
PPWC Local 15 First Vice President
