About PWU

The PWU, one of Canada’s strongest, most democratic and progressive unions, is a knowledgeable and experienced player in the energy sector. We are committed to delivering a promising future for our membership and continuing to help keep the lights on for all Ontarians.

The PWU is the union of choice for the vast majority of the workers who help operate Ontario’s electricity system. The PWU represents approximately 15,000 people (about 70 percent of the unionized electricity workers in the province) working in Ontario’s generating stations, transmission and distribution lines and system control facilities. The membership is represented through approximately 55 Collective Agreements.

A President and three Vice Presidents, who are elected for four-year terms, lead the union. This leadership provides support and direction for an extensive network of Stewards across Ontario. In fact, this network represents one of the highest proportions of Stewards to members of any union in Canada. Having nearly one member in nine as a frontline Steward or Health and Safety Representative has been instrumental in achieving PWU successes in past years.

Affiliations and partnerships assist the PWU in its ability to monitor and influence evolving labour and energy policies that can affect our membership. Although the PWU is autonomous and self-supporting under partnerships, it is affiliated with the Canadian Labour Congress and the Canadian Union of Public Employees at the federal level. At the provincial level, the PWU is affiliated with the Ontario Federation of Labour and nearly 50 local Labour Councils across the province.

We also have valuable partnerships and jurisdictional accords with the relevant construction unions that work in our industry. Partnerships with the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers and the Labourers’ International Union of North America, along with other Building Trades Unions help to enable the supply of skilled workers to our employers through our Hiring Hall Agreements.