bargains collectively: working conditions, wages, benefits

provides member education on issues such as tech change, workers' compensation, harassment in the workplace, health and safety

participates in joint training programs with employers

safeguards the rights of members with employers in the workplace

provides strike support, including a defence fund, for members

provides scholarships and bursaries for members and families

participates in employee assistance programs, union counselling, etc.

provides members opportunities for involvement in labour councils, federations of labour, social action committees, political movements, at a local, regional and national level