Thinking about organizing your workplace? Taking the first steps can feel big, but the process is more straightforward than most people expect.
When employees want to form a union in Nova Scotia there is a legally defined process to follow under the regulations of the Trade Union Act.
Here’s a simple outline of how workers typically get started with NSUPE.
1. Connect Quietly With Coworkers
Every organizing effort begins with conversations. Talk to trusted colleagues about shared concerns—wages, workloads, fairness, safety, or job security. If people are nodding along, that’s the seed of collective power.
2. Reach Out to NSUPE for Guidance
Once a few coworkers are on board, contact NSUPE confidentially for help & support in your efforts. We can provide:
- Advice on your rights
- Next steps
- Support materials
- An outline of the organizing process
Everything stays strictly private until your group chooses otherwise.
3. Build an Organizing Committee
A small group of committed workers helps drive the process.
This team:
- Gathers feedback
- Identifies workplace issues
- Helps map out communication
- Becomes the point of contact with NSUPE
It ensures the drive reflects your workplace—not just a single voice.
4. Sign Union Cards
When you’re ready, workers sign membership “cards” indicating support. This is the step that shows there’s real interest in forming a union with NSUPE. This process can be done either digitally or physically in the workplace when you feel you have majority support.
The Trade Union Act says unions must sign up at least 40% of employees in a workplace order to get the Labour Relations Board to hold a vote.
5. Apply for Certification
Once enough cards are signed, NSUPE files for certification with the labour board. If the majority supports unionizing, your workplace becomes officially unionized.
A secret ballot vote will then be held and if more than 50% of voters cast votes in favour of unionizing, NSUPE will be certified to represent you. If less than 50% vote in favour of unionizing, things remain as they are and the union will destroy all evidence that shows who signed up.
6. Begin the First Contract Process
After certification, NSUPE works with employees to build priorities and negotiate a first collective agreement—solidifying wages, protections, and clear working conditions.
Ari Vangeest – Organizer / Business Agent
Mobile: 902-410-1871
Email: Arivangeest@nsupe.ca
For more information regarding the legal process to form a union or, about your rights and protections under the Trade Union Act, call the Labour Relations Board at 424-1744 or visit their web site www.gov.ns.ca/lae/labourboard/.
This site has a link to the Nova Scotia Trade Union Act. In particular, read Section 23(1), (2) and (7); Section 25 (1 to 12), (14), (15), and (16); Section 13 (1); and Section 53 (1) and (3).
These sections state the process for forming a union and your legal protections against employer influence.