Many companies get surprised when they are suddenly visited by a Manitoba Labour Board Officer delivering notice of an Application For Certification. These companies had no idea anything was taking place. Well, indeed there were many things taking place. The signs were there for them to see but they weren't trained or told what to look for.

A few of the more obvious signs that employees may be considering unionization are:

	A sudden increase in employees questioning wages, fringe benefits, and working conditions.
	Employees asking if they can see a copy of their employee file.
	A sudden use of terminology such as "seniority" or "grievance".
	Employees leaving their work areas to talk to employees in other areas.
	Employees meeting in the parking lot either before work or after work.
	An unknown person talking to employees in the parking lot.
	Employee questions about how the company feels about unions.
	Increased questions about company policies and a request to see a policy manual.

There are many other signs that organizing activity may be taking place within a company, some of them obvious and others that are very subtle.

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