Yes, all UAW members belong to their own Local Union, elect their own officers, committeepersons and stewards and control their own treasury.

Members decide what you want in your contract at membership meetings called for this purpose.

No. Ontario's Labour Relations Act, 1995 provides that once a trade union applies for certification at the Ontario Labour Relations Board and the employer has notice of it from the Board, the Act establishes a "statutory freeze" until the Board has issued a final decision in the application or the union has served notice to bargain (ss. 86(2)). Similarly, if the Union wins certification, it has the right to serve the employer with a notice to bargain toward a collective agreement. That notice to bargain triggers another statutory freeze, effective until an agreement is negotiated or the union is in a strike position (ss. 86(1)). Under both 86(1) and (2), the freeze is broadly worded and applies to wages and "any other term or condition of employment or any right, privilege or duty of the employer, the trade union or the employees". Benefits would definitely be frozen, unless the Union consented to a change.

Similarly, since the Act requires "business as usual" during the freeze, an employer would have to follow its normal practices (e.g., annual evaluations and wage increases) and implement any planned improvements or increases in working conditions in order to avoid violating the statutory freeze.

During an organizing campaign (that is, before the freeze kicks in), the removal or threat to remove, benefit coverage would be an unfair labour practice complaint if it is motivated by anti-union animus, seeking to interfere with the formation or selection of a trade union. Employer interference in trade unions and employer interference with employees' rights are outlawed by sections 70 and 72.

You select and/or elect your own committee to negotiate your contract.  Experienced Canadian representatives of the International Union will assist you.  In addition, UAW Departments with expertise in various areas such as health safety and retirement are available.

No.  In the UAW before any settlement becomes final, it must be presented to the full membership for their acceptance or rejection.  Further, members of your committee will make periodic reports on the progress of negotiations.

If you, along with the membership, vote to accept a contract only then can such a contract become effective.

A strike is the act of workers withholding their labour.  The UAW Constitution requires that two-thirds of the voting members must authorize a strike.  98% of all UAW contracts are settled without a strike.

In Ontario, workers can strike only after a "no board" report is issued by the Ontario Labour Relations Board and the matter is referred to a mediator. 

Yes.  During the time you spend on an authorized strike the UAW will pay you strike benefits under the provisions of the UAW Strike Assistance Program.  At present the weekly benefit is $200US plus life insurance and the cost of any contractual health benefits, excluding vision and dental care.

The dues in the UAW are two (2) hours pay per month.  The UAW dues structure has not changed since 1967. 

It is the policy of the UAW not to require payment of any dues until after a first contract has been negotiated and accepted by the employees.

No.  Union dues can only be raised if you vote to raise dues at a membership meeting of your local or by your delegates from your facility or local to the International Union Convention.

No.  The UAW Constitution does not allow for collecting any special assessments.

The initiation fee is a minimum of $10CDN and a maximum of $50CDN. 

No.  Newly organized members do not pay any initiation fees.

Yes.  The sub regional office is located in Chatham, Ontario.  The UAW is affiliated with the Canadian Labour Congress, the Ontario Federation of Labour and the American Federation of Labour.