Joining a labour union is one of the best and influential decisions a worker can make in his or her life. Unions have a long history of protecting the rights of workers, fighting for social justice and equality, and bettering the working lives of millions of Canadians.
The long-term benefits of becoming a member of a union are enormous. Statistics show that in Canada, workers have far better working conditions, an average of 29% higher pay, superior benefits and pensions, longer paid vacation time, and safer and more democratic and egalitarian workplaces.
This so-called “union advantage” is even higher for women, People of Colour, persons with special needs, and part-time employees.
An Independent, Canadian Union
The Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC) is a proudly democratic, independent union consisting of thousands of workers from a variety of industries throughout British Columbia and Vancouver Island.
PPWC locals represent workers within thirty-six certifications, including health care, education, the wood industry, manufacturing, chemical plants and recycling, as well as working professionals and skilled trades persons. PPWC members work and live in dozens of communities throughout the province.
The PPWC is affiliated to the Confederation of Canadian Unions (CCU), a labour central created in 1969 and composed solely of independent, democratic unions from across the country.
A Union Based on Democracy
The Constitution of the PPWC is structured to maximize rank-and-file participation in national and local union affairs. National officers are fully accountable to our union’s National Executive Board and are elected by referendum ballot.
Our annual convention is held with delegates from each PPWC local, proportional to the number of local union members.
During convention, resolutions to amend the Constitution and promote social causes or political positions are vigorously debated and voted on. The convention’s location alternates between Vancouver and other communities throughout the Interior and Vancouver Island.
Why the PPWC?
The PPWC is a truly democratic, independent and grassroots union, where your voice will be heard. Workers’ interests will be better served inside the PPWC, where you and your co-workers will be represented in the workplace and at the bargaining table.
The PPWC believes that working people in British Columbia and throughout Canada deserve better. When people come together and want to make a difference, they isn’t anything they can’t do. As the old saying goes: “United we stand strong.”
Do you want to belong to a union that believes in membership control?
Are you ready to meet your employer on equal terms?
Do you want the security of a negotiated collective agreement?
Contact Us Today
We want to hear from you. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. All inquiries are treated in strict confidence.
Public and Private Workers of Canada, Local 1
1 – 2320 Columbia Ave.
Castlegar, BC
V1N 2X1
Phone 250.365-8116
Fax 250.365.8221
Email