FAQs
General Information
What is RWDSU Saskatchewan?
RWDSU Saskatchewan is one of the province’s largest private sector unions, representing workers across many industries and communities.
How long has RWDSU been operating?
The union has a history going back to the 1930s, making it a long-established organization in Saskatchewan’s labour movement.
How many members does RWDSU Saskatchewan have?
The union currently represents nearly 6,000 members.
Where are RWDSU members located?
Members are spread across every major city and many communities throughout Saskatchewan.
Membership and Workplaces
What types of workplaces do RWDSU members work in?
Members work in a wide range of industries and workplaces, including retail, food service, hospitality, manufacturing, and co-operatives.
Can you give examples of employers represented by RWDSU?
Yes! The union represents workers at places such as grocery chains (FreshCo, Sobeys), co-ops, hotels, food service companies, and other private sector employers across Saskatchewan.
Are RWDSU workplaces unionized individually?
Yes! Each workplace is considered a separate bargaining unit with its own elected committee and direction.
Benefits of Union Membership
What are the main benefits of joining RWDSU?
Key benefits include income security, guaranteed hours and schedules, health benefits, and fair workplace problem-solving processes.
How does a union improve income security?
Union contracts guarantee pay rates in writing, include negotiated wage increases, and provide protections during layoffs or closures.
What protections are there for hours of work?
Members receive defined hours, posted schedules, paid breaks, and voluntary overtime that must be compensated at premium rates.
What health and welfare benefits are provided?
Collective agreements may include paid sick leave, dental coverage, life insurance, disability benefits, and pension plans, often funded by employers.
How does the union handle workplace problems?
The union uses a formal grievance procedure to ensure concerns are addressed fairly and resolved in a timely manner.
Union Dues and Financing
How are union dues used?
Dues fund union operations such as legal support, arbitration, staff salaries, member education, and strike funds.
Are union finances transparent?
Yes. RWDSU is a non-profit organization and must produce audited financial statements annually.
Are union dues tax-deductible?
Yes. Union dues and assessments are tax-deductible.
Is there a membership initiation fee?
Yes. New members pay a one-time initiation fee of $20.
Legal Rights and Collective Bargaining
Do workers have a legal right to join a union?
Yes. Workers are protected under Canadian and Saskatchewan laws, which guarantee the right to form and join unions and bargain collectively.
What is collective bargaining?
It is the process where employees, through their elected committee and union representatives, negotiate workplace terms with management.
How does a union balance workplace power?
A union brings workers together so they can act collectively, giving them a stronger voice in negotiations with employers.
Still have questions?
Contact us at 306‑569‑9311 or visit our office at 1233 Winnipeg Street, Regina.