As a unionized employee, you must follow the guidelines set out in the Collective Agreement, which is a written agreement addressing the employment relationship between the employer, union, and employees.

According to the Ontario Labour Relations Act , your union has a legal duty to fairly represent you. Your union must ensure that the interests of all unionized employees are served in a manner that is not arbitrary, discriminatory or in bad faith.

If your union has failed to properly investigate, process, or arbitrate a grievance, as a unionized employee you may file a Duty of Fair Representation complaint with the Ontario Labour Relations Board or the Canadian Industrial Labour Relations Board for federally regulated employees, which have the authority to order a variety of remedies. It is advised to meet with a labour lawyer to ensure your rights have been protected.