iegi was angry. This was the second year in a row that she had missed her son's school play because her employer suddenly had a rush order and the employees were expected to drop all personal plans and work "whatever hours" required to get the order prepared to be shippedand "whatever hours" often required 18 hours or more for two or three days straight. As well, there was no overtime paid, no vacation days in lieu of time worked, no bonus, and the employees were expected to cover their normal shifts as well. This happened several times during the year and the employer's explanation was always that it was not possible to predict when large orders might come in and if the employees don't want to work the time, they don't have to"someone else would be happy to have the opportunity to take your place." These thinly veiled threats didn't sit well with Siegi either. She had seen the movieNorma Rae! She may not be Sally Field, but she knew what had to be done.

Siegi wants to make a union at her place of employment to deal with the awful working conditions and the blatant unfairness. (Did we mention her employer has two Porsche sports cars? One for summer and one for winter driving so the tires don't need to be changed.) She has come to you because her neighbour said you have taken a business course and know about employment matters.

Advise Siegi on the requirements, processes, and timelines in your province ontario for creating a union to represent the employees of a business.