Our Vision

At NOWU we value freedom, transparency, democracy and independence while striving to keep dues affordable for our members Join now to participate in change

"NOWU has had our backs since before we even got a contract. They are not afraid to take management head on, and not back down from a difficult situation."

Lesau Felix

"In September 2019 I voted to remove Teamsters and make the upgrade to NOWU. I made this decision due to their extensive Healthcare knowledge and experience, and their willingness to take action."

Monica Ramkelawan

"We faced many adversities at Mount Sinai Hospital from our previous Union. Don't be fooled by any misinformation SEIU spreads, we are in a far better place with NOWU."

Marleen Santos

"My name is Nasitas and I currently work at Humber River Hospital. I used to work at Mackenzie Health part time commencing in Jan 25,2021 for about a year. At Humber River Hospital I have been receiving 14% in Lieu pay as a part time worker which is the equivalent of an extra $3.30 per hour until I went to full time in February 2023. The extra 14% in lieu is a great advantage to part time employees that don't require benefits. Please reference the paycheck I have provided. I am a Union Steward at NOWU , I attend grievance meetings, LMC and I am a grievance Officer. I work in the Patient Food Services Department and sit on the "Job Routine Committee' which is an ongoing committee to balance the workloadin my department. My Union has fought hard on my behalf and Ihave had many successful grievances when my collective agreement rights were violated"

Nasitas

Why You Should
Join NOWU

Statistically in Canada, organized labour is shrinking. This trend has been happening for a long time and we believe that this is happening because Unions have failed to evolve to the needs of their members. Organizations such as CLC and OFL have stifled workers from getting better improvements to their contracts and working conditions.

These organizations protect “Big Unions” and stop workers from joining other Unions. This enables Unions to become lazy and apathetic and without fear of competition. “Big Unions” have forgotten why workers join Unions it has become a business to them. They negotiate at central tables to decrease the competition amongst each other and to create a level playing field so workers don’t change Unions. They have turned into Due’s collection agencies and not trade Unions.

It's time for change, NOWU is an aggressive independent Union that has beaten central agreements every time. Representing diverse members and protecting them from the Employer is our Number 1 goal.

If you join NOWU, you will be face to face with your employer. Not a voice lost among dozens of Hospitals or Nursing Homes that are trying to survive at a "Central Negotiating Table". When competition is alive and active, it breeds the need to become advanced, superior, and different than those you compete with. NOWU believes that by re-introducing competition in the Labour Movement, that all workers in Canada will benefit as a result

We believe that 'Big Unions' shouldn't be rewarded for lazy service by keeping their members simply because they're affiliated (using your dues) to the CLC & OFL. Unions were started for the people and by the people.

What Makes NOWU Different?

NOWU's Union dues are 1.4%, one of the cheapest in the Labor Movement. The "Big Unions" in Ontario charge their members a much higher dues rate.

Being a member of one of the 'Big Unions' can be expensive. They are charging their members as much as 1.8% in Union dues. Sometimes they charge additional money for an 'educational fund' fee. NOWU Members only pay 1.4% and dues breaks are given to many members.

NOWU is proudly Canadian. At NOWU no membership dues will be spent across the border.

Many of the 'Big Unions' originated in the United States and currently have a mass majority of their membership south of the border (ex. SEIU Healthcare). American based Unions have a percentage of their Union Dues that go south of the border. NOWU is and always will be 100% Canadian, with absolutely zero of our members Union Dues going to the USA.

At NOWU, membership dues will not go to politicians. This Differs from most Unions which often contribute large amounts of membership dues in support of political parties without their members consent.

NOWU will never contribute to any political party without the consent of the members. We value the hard work of our members and take the Union dues they pay very seriously. NOWU will only ever contribute to a political party if they are given democratic support by their members.

Many 'Big Unions' overload their Union reps. NOWU caps 1 Union rep per 1000 members. Which provides our members better service.

If you've ever been a part of a bigger union you've probably found it difficult to reach a union rep in a time of need. This is because other 'Big Unions' have upwards of 2000 members assigned to each Union rep. Some Unions try to solve this by having call centres, which waste a large portion of Union dues and doesn't solve the problem.

At NOWU, we understand that people go through tough times financially. In addition to having some of the cheapest Union dues in Ontario, NOWU lowers the dues from 1.4% to 1.0% for eligible members.

NOWU Union Stewards
NOWU Joint Health & Safety Representatives
Members who are 60 or older

After joining NOWU members will either become part of an existing local, or form a new local within our democratic structure.

NOWU has a true local structure. This means we have multiple executive boards that make decisions for our units within their autonomous structures. Our local unions are structured to be a group of workers or workplaces that have a similar sector, and or geographic locations. For example, issues units face in Toronto are often different from those outside the GTA.

How Do I Join NOWU?

1. The Open Period

If you are already unionized, you must determine your 'open period'. Which happens within the last 3 months of your Collective Agreement.

2. Membership Card

Sign a NOWU Membership card and submit it to NOWU.

3. Card Assessment

A NOWU Organizer will contact you using the information you provided on the membership card. All phone conversations are private and confidential.

4. Membership Threshold

At least 40% of your workplace / bargaining unit needs to sign a NOWU Membership card before an application can be filed to the Ontario Labor Relations Board.

5. File The Application

When enough membership cards are signed and NOWU is confident in the success of your organizing campaign, an application will be filed with the Labor Board.

6. One Week Wait

The Ontario Labor Boards normal practice is a vote being held in your workplace 1 week after the date of application. Currently, in Covid times, the OLRB is conducting electronic voting.

7. Vote Day

If 51% or more vote in favor of NOWU, then you are victorious. Congratulations!