The Campaign Period is Now Open
As we enter the final year of our first negotiated Collective Bargaining Agreement, set to expire on December 31, 2026, our focus now shifts to preparing for the next round of negotiations. Throughout the coming year, the Bargaining Committee will host a series of information sessions to gather member input, identify emerging issues, and refine the priorities that will guide us to the table in October 2026.
This upcoming agreement is an opportunity to build on what we have learned, address what we need, and secure what we deserve. Our second agreement is not only about continued progress—it is about strengthening our collective power. That power begins with your participation, your perspectives, and your voice.
The first step in this process is the election of the representatives who will advocate on behalf of all members during bargaining. These individuals must have a solid grasp of our current agreement, an understanding of where we have come from, and a clear vision of where we aim to go.
Voting Period Opens - Wed March 25, 2026 – 0700 PT / 0800 MT / 1000 ET
Voting Period Closes - Thurs March 26, 2026 – 1900 PT / 2000 MT / 2200 ET
Election Rules
- Nominations and elections for these base representatives will be conducted through the Simply Voting platform.
- The candidate receiving the highest number of votes in each base will become the primary representative for that base.
- The candidate receiving the second-highest number of votes will serve as the alternate.
- Each base will conduct its own separate nomination campaign and vote for its representative.
Campaigning Rules
- Members may begin campaigning once they have accepted their nomination and are officially recognized as a candidate by the Elections Committee. For clarity, campaigning prior to acceptance of nomination and approval from the election committee is not permitted.
- All candidates must be given equal opportunity to campaign. Union resources, communication channels, and bulletin boards will be made available on a fair and equal basis.
- A candidate and other members may use their own social media to campaign
- Candidates may not use company time, email, or property to campaign. Campaigning must take place on personal time and without employer involvement. This includes company IT systems such as Teams and email. This is a violation of the company's acceptable use policy and could result in disciplinary action by the company.
- Union funds, supplies, or official platforms may not be used to endorse or promote any candidate unless the Election Committee specifically authorizes it for all candidates equally.
- A candidate may use images or logos of Unifor and of the Local Union on their election materials
- Campaigning should be conducted respectfully and in a manner that fosters solidarity among members. Harassment, intimidation, or misinformation will not be tolerated.
- The Local Union bylaws state "Slander, harassment or bullying online or otherwise will not be tolerated" under Article 5.d.
- With permission from the Election Committee, campaign materials may be posted on the Union Bulletin Boards at the bases. Candidates must email a copy of all printed campaign materials to @email
to receive approval. Posters may not be any larger than 8 ½ x 11 surface area in size and candidates must remove their own materials after the election. Posters may not be hung on company property including lunchroom walls, other bulletin boards or left on lunchroom tables. - Candidates must receive permission from the Election Committee before distributing any printed campaign materials to ensure they meet the Election standards.
- Upon request to the Elections Committee, a candidate is entitled to inspect the membership list. However, a candidate is not entitled to receive copies of this list or copies of any member's personal information.
Bargaining Committee Composition
The Bargaining Committee for Local 531 will consist of the following members which are in compliance with our Local Union Bylaws as well as the language outlined in our current CBA in Union Release Time.
Each of these representatives will hold voice and vote at the bargaining table:
- President
- The Unit Chairs from each base (YVR, YYZ, YYC)
1 elected representative from each base (YVR, YYZ, YYC)
*The committee will also require one (1) elected alternate member from each base, exercising voice and vote ONLY in the absence of a primary representative from their base.
To participate in the election of the Bargaining Committee Member in your base, please look for your Simply Voting voter credentials to be sent to your personal email upon commencement of the Voting Period on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 – 07:00 PT / 08:00 MT / 10:00 ET
Be sure to contact the Election Committee at @email if you do not receive them.
