The Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union

What The Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union does

COPE Ontario (The Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union) is an autonomous Canadian labor union headquartered in Toronto with a regional office in Thunder Bay, operating as a non-profit membership-driven organization affiliated with the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL). The union was formed in 2019 when 74% of its membership voted to leave the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) to establish a fully Canadian entity. It is structured around 17 locals across Ontario (with at least one local extending into Manitoba) containing more than 100 bargaining units that represent workers in healthcare, education, financial services, legal services, government agencies, labor organizations, NGOs, and environmental advocacy groups. Its work is exclusively labor-relations oriented — there are no technology products, software platforms, or AI/ML components — and it operates as a labor relations organization rather than a technology company.

COPE Ontario's service offering centers on collective bargaining, grievance handling, arbitration, workplace investigations, and member advocacy, delivered through full-time Labour Relations Specialists, Legal Counsel, and elected Executive Board members. Members receive access to workshops (Collective Bargaining, Stewards Training, Increasing Chances at Arbitration), a Young Workers Committee rebuilt in April 2024, and an organizing function that runs confidential card-sign campaigns filed with the Ontario Labour Relations Board. Notable wins include a 16% average hourly wage increase for 400+ London Health Sciences Centre members ($3.2M in new salary), guaranteed 3.5% annual increases plus a new Short Term Incentive Plan for 202 Northern/Copperfin Credit Union workers, and 10% salary increases for Canadian Actors' Equity Association members.

The union's revenue model is subscription-recurring membership dues deducted from member pay, with no publicly disclosed dues schedule. Customer acquisition is community-led and field-driven: workplace card-sign campaigns followed by OLRB certification, supplemented by content marketing through its website (copeontario.ca), a monthly email newsletter, Facebook social presence, labor-event participation (Labour Day, Canadian Labour Congress Convention), and member-only workshops. The union has no investors, no parent company, no subsidiaries, and is governed democratically by its elected Executive Board including President Kelly Belbin, Executive Vice President Natasha Brouillette, Treasurer Brandi Kehoe, and Secretary Delaine Willet.

Name

The Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union

Legal name

The Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union

Website

https://copeontario.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

COPE Ontario is an autonomous Canadian labor union representing 17 locals and 100+ bargaining units across healthcare, education, financial services, government, NGOs, and legal sectors, funded by membership dues and affiliated with the CLC and OFL.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Labor Union Representation Services

NAICS

Labor Unions and Similar Labor Organizations (813930), Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139), Professional Organizations (81392)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Labor Relations & Union Management Training (EDABAIAK)

Keywords

• Collective bargaining services
• Labour union representation
• Workplace advocacy services
• Union membership organization
• Labour relations support

Headquarters

HQ city

Toronto

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Union Membership Dues: COPE Ontario generates revenue through union membership dues paid by its members. As a labor union representing workers across public and private sectors, the organization operates on a membership fee structure. Members receive comprehensive representation including grievance handling, arbitration, collective bargaining support, and access to experienced labor relations specialists and advocates.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

COPE Ontario is a membership-driven labour union that represents office and professional workers across Ontario in collective bargaining, grievance handling, and arbitration. The union organizes new workplaces through card-signing campaigns certified by the Ontario Labour Relations Board, then deploys experienced Labour Relations Specialists to negotiate and enforce collective agreements covering wages, benefits, and working conditions. Members also gain access to free training workshops (Collective Bargaining, Stewards Training, Arbitration), a Young Workers Committee, and advocacy support from 17 locals across the province.

Product overview

COPE Ontario is a membership-driven labor union affiliated with the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL). It is not a technology product company. The organization provides union representation services including collective bargaining, grievance handling, arbitration, and member advocacy across 17 local unions representing workers in sectors including Health Care, Education, Financial Services, Labour Organizations, Non-Profits, and Government agencies. The organization offers workshops, training, young workers programs, and equity initiatives to its members. There are no distinct technology products, software platforms, or digital product offerings associated with this entity.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Union Membership Membership in COPE Ontario provides workers across Ontario with access to the union's full range of representation services. Members join through workplace organizing campaigns where workers sign union cards confidentially, followed by certification through the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB). Once certified, members receive collective agreement coverage on wages, benefits, and working conditions; experienced staff representation for grievances, arbitrations, and labor-management meetings; access to free training workshops; legal counsel; communications updates via monthly newsletter; and support from the Young Workers Committee. Membership dues are deducted from member paychecks.
• Collective Bargaining Representation COPE Ontario deploys experienced Labour Relations Specialists to negotiate collective agreements on behalf of bargaining units across the province. Services include wage negotiations, benefits bargaining (health, dental, pension), working conditions agreements, job protection language, and seniority rights. The union has secured notable outcomes including a 16% average raise at London Health Sciences Centre ($4.40/hr increase, $3.2 million in new salary), 3.5% annual wage increases at Northern and Copperfin Credit Unions covering 202 workers, and 3.1%/3% wage increases at Goldblatt Partners LLP.
• Grievance Handling and Arbitration Services COPE Ontario provides members with grievance handling, arbitration representation, and protection against unfair discipline or dismissal. Labour Relations Specialists attend grievance meetings, workplace investigations, and labour-management meetings alongside Unit Representatives, supported by in-house Legal Counsel. Services include filing and processing grievances, preparing for arbitration hearings, defending members against management harassment, and ensuring compliance with collective agreement provisions on vacation approval, scheduling, benefits, and seniority rights.
• Member Training Workshops Free training programs for COPE Ontario members covering Collective Bargaining, Stewards Training, and Increasing Chances at Arbitration. The workshop series is part of the union's commitment to informing, advising, and educating workers on the benefits of organizing and collective bargaining. Workshops are delivered in-person and are open exclusively to COPE Ontario members.

Quantifiable outcome

• Average $4.40/hr increase (16% raise) for London Health Sciences Centre members, totaling $3.2 million in new salary
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Environmental Defence CanadaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 July 2026Environmental Defence Canada joined COPE Local 225 as a new member organization. The group organizes rallies like the No Jets Rally to protect Toronto's waterfront.
• Veterinarians Without BordersminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 June 2026Veterinarians Without Borders joined COPE Local 225 as a new member organization.
• Human Rights Watch Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 August 2025Human Rights Watch Inc. employees in Canada voted to join COPE Local 225, representing workers at a leading NGO investigating war crimes, crimes against humanity, child labour, torture, human trafficking and LGBTQ rights.
• Canadian Labour Congress (CLC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCOPE Ontario is affiliated with the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), the primary trade union central in Canada representing millions of workers. This affiliation provides members with strength in numbers and a voice in national issues affecting workers.
• Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCOPE Ontario is affiliated with the Ontario Federation of Labour, the provincial labor central representing workers across Ontario. This partnership strengthens the union's voice in provincial labor issues and provides access to broader labor movement resources.
• Ontario Council of Educational Workers (OCEW)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCOPE is the largest union in OCEW, which includes four other unions and represents about 4,000 education workers across the province. COPE participates in coordinated bargaining for education locals through this council.
• Ontario English Catholic Teachers AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of OCEW coalition representing education workers alongside COPE locals.
• Ontario Secondary School Teachers FederationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of OCEW coalition representing education workers alongside COPE locals.
• Ontario School Board Council of UnionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of OCEW coalition representing education workers alongside COPE locals.
• Alstom Transport Canada Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal 81 represents workers at Alstom (formerly Bombardier Transportation) in Thunder Bay. The company received a contract for new TTC subway trains, securing good union jobs in Thunder Bay.
• Hamilton & District Injured Workers GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCOPE Ontario stands in solidarity with HDIWG, an organization that has provided free essential support for injured workers for over 20 years, advocating for their rights to justice, dignity, equality, health & safety and security.
• Oxfam CanadaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCOPE Ontario expressed solidarity with Oxfam Canada workers on strike since June 11, supporting their demands for gender-affirming care, domestic violence protections, and fair wages.
• Canadian Bar AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCBA staff represented through COPE Local 225, demonstrating representation across legal profession.
• CUPE NationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCUPE National workers represented through COPE Local 491 in Winnipeg. Local 491 began bargaining with employer CUPE National.
• Canadian Museums AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCMA staff represented through COPE Local 225.
• Canadian Union of Postal WorkersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCUPW staff represented through COPE Local 225.
• NDP (Federal)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal NDP staff including Constituency Assistants represented through COPE Local 225.
• Green Party of CanadaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreen Party of Canada staff represented through COPE Local 225.
• National Union of Public and General EmployeesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNUPGE staff represented through COPE Local 225.
• Planned Parenthood OttawaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlanned Parenthood Ottawa staff represented through COPE Local 225.
• Human Rights WatchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHuman Rights Watch staff in Canada (and HRW Canada) represented through COPE Local 225.
• Ontario Federation of LabourminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOFL staff represented through COPE Local 343.
• Toronto and York Labour CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLabour Council staff represented through COPE Local 343.
• CUPE Ontario DivisionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCUPE Ontario staff represented through COPE Local 343.
• David Suzuki FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDavid Suzuki Foundation staff represented through COPE Local 343.
• Greenpeace CanadaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreenpeace Canada staff represented through COPE Local 343.
• United Way of Greater TorontominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Way staff represented through COPE Local 343.
• Registered Nurses Association of OntariominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRNAO staff represented through COPE Local 343.
• Ombudsman OntariominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOmbudsman Ontario staff represented through COPE Local 343.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• United Food and Commercial Workers Canada (UFCW Canada): Represents 250,000+ Canadian workers across retail, food processing, and office/professional sectors. Competes for office worker representation particularly in financial services and credit union spaces where COPE also organizes.
• Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE): Canada's largest union representing over 700,000 workers across public and private sectors. Direct competitor for representing office, healthcare, education, and municipal workers; COPE Local 343 even represents CUPE Ontario staff, illustrating the overlapping jurisdiction.
• Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU): Major Ontario public sector union representing provincial government, healthcare, and education workers. Direct competitor in the Ontario government and broader public sector organizing space where COPE also operates.
• Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC): National union representing over 200,000 federal public service workers. Direct competitor for federal government office workers; COPE represents several organizations whose staff PSAC could also organize.
• Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW): Represents 55,000+ Canada Post workers and organized postal workers. COPE Local 225 represents CUPW's own staff, but CUPW also competes for office/administrative worker representation in adjacent public sector workplaces.
• Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU): The international union COPE split from in 2019. OPEIU continues to represent office and professional employees across the U.S. and Canada, making it the closest name-alike and structural competitor for the same niche worker segment.
• Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Canada: Canadian affiliate of SEIU representing healthcare, property services, and office workers. Directly competes for hospital clerical staff and professional worker representation in Ontario and other provinces.
• National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE): Federation of provincial public sector unions representing over 400,000 workers. COPE represents NUPGE staff through Local 225, evidencing overlapping constituency; competes for provincial government and broader public sector members.
• Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union (COPE) National/SEPB: The national parent body of COPE Ontario (Syndicat des employé(e)s de la fonction publique et parapublique du Québec). Same union brand representing the same worker categories in Quebec and other provinces; Ontario is the largest regional component.

Broad incumbents

• Unifor: Canada's largest private-sector union with 315,000+ members across manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and office sectors. Represents a broader portfolio including significant office/professional worker bargaining units that overlap with COPE's territory.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/COPEOntario

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about The Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union