TEL Group is your ticket to better wages & benefits, and more power!
We’re stronger together—and that’s why we’ve created the TEL Group. The TEL Group is made up of the Teamsters Local 213, IUOE Local 115 and Labourers Local 1611.
Members of our three unions enjoy higher wages, better benefits, more training opportunities and experienced representation. Our unions are democratic, which means YOU determine what is given priority in your collective agreement.
Take the first step and sign a union card with TEL Group today!
I’m interested in joining a union! How do I do that?
Forming a union is your legal right, and it is enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. As unions are democratic, there is a process that must be followed to unionize your workplace.
- GET IN TOUCH WITH AN ORGANIZER – This is the first step. Your organizer will work with you on a winning strategy, answer your questions, and address any concerns. Think of your organizer as your all-around support throughout this process.
- SIGN A UNION CARD – A majority of workers must sign a confidential union card in order to advance the process. Signing a union card is like signing a petition. The more workers who sign a card, the more powerful your demands for change will be.
- FILE FOR UNION CERTIFICATION – If between 45 and 55 per cent of workers sign a union card, the BC Labour Relations Board will conduct an election to determine whether the majority of workers at a job site support unionizing. If more than 55 per cent of workers sign a union card, there is no need for a separate certification vote, and the workers move on to bargaining their first collective agreement with the support of their chosen union.
Take the next step: Sign a confidential union card
To move the process forward, a majority of workers will need to sign a confidential union card, triggering an election in which workers decide which union they want to represent them.
Where do TEL Group members work?
TEL Group members have built the B.C. road network and other major public infrastructure projects for decades. These projects create good, local, safe, unionized jobs and provide critical investments in communities.
Some examples of TEL Group-built projects and current/future worksites include:
- Highway 1 Widening
- Surrey-Langley SkyTrain Extension
- Pattullo Bridge Replacement
- George Massey Tunnel Replacement
- Highway 1 Kamloops to Alberta
- Highway 5 Flood Recovery
- Kicking Horse Canyon
Why are unionized jobs better?
Unionized jobs offer lots of advantages to workers and their communities. Here are five reasons why unionized jobs are better than non-unionized jobs:
Higher wages and benefits:
Unionized workers earn higher wages and have better benefits compared to non-unionized workers in similar roles. This includes health-care coverage and retirement benefits for workers and their families. Not only do families with this kind of support and financial stability spend money that supports the local economy, they also have the resources and capacity to give back to their communities.
Safer worksites:
A study from the Ontario Construction Secretariat found that unionized job sites are 31% safer than non-union sites. That means workers are less likely to get hurt on the job and miss valuable work time due to injuries. For the public, it means fewer WorkSafeBC claims and fewer costs to public support programs.
Better working conditions:
In addition to worksite safety, unions advocate for improved working conditions like set hours, rest breaks, and time off on weekends. Not only that, if workers are asked to work overtime they get paid fairly for it. This ensures that workers are able to stay healthy, spend time with their families, and give back to their communities.
Job security:
Union contracts include provisions for job security, protecting workers from arbitrary dismissal or layoffs. Reliable jobs are important because they ensure families have financial stability. That financial stability means less government support, less crime, and higher education levels.
Collective bargaining power:
Unionized workers negotiate collectively, giving them stronger bargaining power with employers to secure all of the important conditions listed above. The more good jobs that are available, the healthier our communities will be.
Who is the TEL Group?
The TEL Group is a group of three trade unions whose members have built the British Columbia road network and many other major infrastructure projects across the province.
International Brotherhood of Teamsters,
Local 213
(close to 10,000 members)
International Union of Operating Engineers,
Local 115
(over 14,000 members)
Labourers’ International Union of North America,
Local 1611
(over 10,000 members)
Together, our total North American membership is over two million members, over 32,000 of which are here in B.C. That gives us collective strength and resources that get trade workers better workplace agreements: better pay, better benefits, and safer worksites.
Ready to learn more?
Thinking about a job in the trades? Already working but want to make sure you’re being treated fairly? TEL Group has your back.
Get in touch now! A TEL Group representative will be happy to answer your questions.
International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 213
- Contact Kevin Calla at 778-242-2277 (text/phone)
International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 115
- Contact Tyson Boyce at 604-831-1559 (text/phone)
Labourers’ International Union of North America, Local 1611
- Contact Oscar Sanchez at 604-340-6094 (text/phone)