Compensation Coverage for Union Activities

Policy Purpose

In a unionized workplace, union members and elected officials are periodically required to attend to union business. Subject to the terms of the collective agreement or other workplace arrangements, the employer may continue salary, continue salary with subsequent reimbursement by the union, or provide an unpaid leave of absence. In some cases the union may pay salary (or a salary equivalent) directly to the worker. In other cases the worker participates as an unpaid "volunteer".

This policy describes when and how workers are covered for compensation when engaged in union activities. Once coverage under the Act is established, a claim for an accident which occurs while on union business will be adjudicated based on the Act and relevant WCB policies.