Union Certified as Bargaining Agent for Customer Service Employees
📌 In brief
The Canada Industrial Relations Board certified a trade union as the bargaining agent for a group of customer service employees at Toronto Pearson International Airport. This decision was made after the board determined that a majority of these employees wanted the union to represent them in collective bargaining.
⚖️ Legal holding
A trade union may be certified as the bargaining agent for a unit of employees if a majority of the employees in the unit wish to be represented by the union.
📖 Technical summary
The Board certified the union as the bargaining agent for the specified employee unit.
📜 Headnote Official document
The Canada Industrial Relations Board certified a trade union as the bargaining agent for a unit of employees working in customer service operations at Toronto Pearson International Airport, after determining that a majority of the employees wished to be represented by the union.
📚 Full judgment Official document
Order No.: 12176-U IN THE MATTER OF THE Canada Labour Code - and - United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union ([NAME]), applicant, - and - [COMPANY]., Toronto, Ontario, employer. WHEREAS the [NAME] ( the Board) has received an application for certification pursuant to section 24(1) of the Canada Labour Code (the Code ) from the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union ([NAME]) (the applicant) seeking certification as bargaining agent for a unit of employees of [COMPANY]. (the employer), comprising: all employees of [COMPANY]. employed in customer service operations at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Ontario, excluding co-op students, ramp agents, office, clerical, and administrative staff, supervisors and those above the rank of supervisor. AND WHEREAS the employer agrees with the applicant’s proposed bargaining unit description; AND WHEREAS , following investigation of the application and consideration of the submissions of the parties concerned, the Board has found the applicant to be a trade union within the meaning of the Code , has determined the unit described hereunder to be appropriate for collective bargaining and is satisfied that a majority of the employees of the employer in the unit wish to have the applicant trade union represent them as their bargaining agent. NOW, THEREFORE , it is ordered by the [NAME] that the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union ([NAME]) be, and it is hereby certified to be, the bargaining agent for a unit comprising: all employees of [COMPANY]. employed in customer service operations at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Ontario, excluding co-op students, ramp agents, office, clerical and administrative staff, supervisors and those above the rank of supervisor. ISSUED at Ottawa, this 20th day of April, 2026, by the [NAME]. [NAME]-Chairperson Reference: File No. 039505-C
⚖️ What tends to weigh in cases like this
✅ Tends to be accepted
- The trade union presented evidence showing a majority of employees wanted union representation.
- The employer agreed with the proposed bargaining unit description.
- The board found the unit appropriate for collective bargaining after investigating the application.
Patterns observed in similar cases in this collection — every case is unique.
❓ Frequently asked questions
What did this decision decide?
The decision certified the union as the bargaining agent for the specified group of employees.
What was the dispute about?
The dispute was about whether the union should be certified as the bargaining agent for the customer service employees.
How did the court decide, and why?
The court decided to certify the union because a majority of the employees in the unit wished to be represented by the union.
Which laws or rules were applied?
The Canada Labour Code was applied.
What was the argument that mattered most?
The argument that mattered most was that a majority of the employees wished to be represented by the union.
Was the decision for or against the person who brought the case?
The decision was for the person who brought the case.
What does this mean for someone in a similar situation?
For someone in a similar situation, if a majority of employees wish to be represented by a union, the union can be certified as the bargaining agent.
What evidence or documents mattered?
The judgment does not specify the exact evidence or documents that mattered.