Hotel Workers

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of unionizing and joining IAM?

The job of our union is to negotiate on your behalf for better wages and benefits through a legal and binding contract. We then enforce that contract and represent you if you encounter day-to-day problems with your employer.

Unionizing with IAM gives you and your co-workers the collective strength to ensure both a decent contract and fair treatment on the job.

Your right to join or form a union is guaranteed by law under the Labour Relations Act.

How do I join IAM?

The process of organizing can be intimidating if you don’t know what to expect, and many employers will resist  employee organization efforts.

It’s important to remember that it is your LEGAL RIGHT to join a union.

The first step in unionizing is for 50% of the workers in your facility to sign membership cards. Once a sufficient number of cards are signed, there is usually a vote conducted at your workplace by the Labour Relations Board.

IAM’s Union Organizing Department, with its experienced and motivated staff, will be there every step of the way to successfully lead you through the process.

Use our Contact IAM form to get started.

Will management find out?

Only if you tell them. Joining a union is 100% confidential.

Neither the IAM nor the Labour Board will ever tell your employer if you have signed a membership card.

Are other hotels unionized?

IAM represents employees of large and small hotels throughout Ontario.

Most large hotels in Ontario are unionized (with IAM and other unions), and many smaller hotels (less than 20 employees) are also unionized.

Unionizing with IAM can benefit all hotel employees, including housekeeping, food services, front desk, and maintenance workers.

Will unionizing also benefit clients?

Better working conditions for YOU means better conditions for the clients.

Unionized employees enjoy better pay, improved training, fairer treatment from their employer, and an overall safer working environment.

Clients will feel all these improvements through YOUR improved morale, and with a less frantic work schedule, you’ll be able to do a better job (e.g. focusing on cleaning a manageable number of rooms).

How will unionizing impact the employer?

The occupancy rates in unionized facilities are often higher than non-union facilities, benefiting the employer.

Also, when workers are treated fairly high turnover becomes less of an issue for the employer.

Contact IAM

Take the next step for a better work life.

Union-Organizers

Speak directly with our union-organizers by email, phone, or text.

Scott Jackson
Union-Organizer
416-579-0854
sjackson@iamaw.org

Roy Bhansingh
Union-Organizer
647-271-6310
rbhansingh@iamdl78.org

Health Care Workers
Hotel Workers
IAM Local Lodge 1295

Local Lodge 1295 is a member of IAM District 78 which represents workers across Ontario.

1295 Members
IAM District 78

557 Dixon Road
Toronto, Ontario
M9W 6K1

416-225-9003
info@iamdl78.org

Ottawa Office

1902 Robertson Road
Ottawa, Ontario
K2H 5B8

1-877-905-0078
info@iamdl78.org