Before joining IFPTE in 2019, the SCMMA Board reviewed potential affiliations. The top two options were IFPTE and the Society of United Professionals due to having similar memberships. The Board chose IFPTE at the time because dues were lower and the Society was then based solely in Ontario.

Membership in IFPTE has brought us significant support, including assistance in negotiations, steward training, strategic planning, and campaign development. Through IFPTE, we also built a relationship with the Society of United Professionals, IFPTE Local 160. In 2023, the IFPTE arranged bargaining training and communications support for us from the Society. An IFPTE representative is currently part of the bargaining team.

Since 2019, the Society has expanded beyond Ontario, now representing members located in Saskatchewan and New Brunswick. When SCMMA requested a solidarity loan to repay our Blue Cross debt, discussions naturally turned to other ways we could work together, including affiliation.

After reviewing our history and options, the SCMMA Board strongly believes that joining the Society is the next logical step to increase our power and credibility in the workplace. The Society is a well-resourced union with values aligned to ours, a strong record of collective bargaining, and proven public advocacy. We have already seen their commitment through the interest-free loan they extended to us when we needed help with our Blue Cross debt.

Our current negotiations could approach an impasse. We are committed to defending Article 16.2 to ensure our members cannot be fired without cause, and to winning wage increases that reflect the true value of our work. By joining the Society of United Professionals, we will have the resources, experience, and solidarity needed to secure these protections and achieve the gains our members deserve.