Guide to Filing the Professional Union Formation Application (French)

Understanding the Professional Union Formation Application (Form RE-305)

If you are considering establishing a professional union in Quebec, the Form RE-305 is the official document you need to complete and submit to Services Québec. This form is designed to formalize the creation of a union that will represent your members' economic, social, and moral interests. Whether you are a group of workers or professionals, understanding how to properly fill out and submit this form is crucial to ensure your union's legal recognition and smooth operation.

What is the purpose of the RE-305 Form?

The primary goal of the Form RE-305 is to officially declare the intention to form a professional union under the Law on Professional Unions (RLRQ, c. S-40). Once approved, this union will have the legal capacity to represent its members, negotiate collective agreements, and undertake other activities authorized by law. The form acts as a formal request to the Registrar of Enterprises, who will register your union and publish an official notice of its creation.

Who should fill out this form?

This form must be completed by at least 15 individuals, known as the requisitioners, who are at least 16 years old and collectively wish to establish a professional union. These individuals should be members or prospective members of the union and are responsible for providing the necessary information about the union's name, address, and initial leadership.

How to complete the Form RE-305

1. Declaring the Union's Purpose

Begin by confirming that the union's purpose is solely to study, defend, and develop the economic, social, and moral interests of its members. This declaration aligns with the legal requirements for professional unions in Quebec.

2. Naming the Union

Indicate the proposed name of the union in the designated field. If your union's name will be in a language other than French, you should also specify this and complete the accompanying page titled Précisions sur le nom. Providing clear and precise naming information facilitates the registration process and helps prevent conflicts with existing unions.

3. Providing the Union's Address

Enter the official address of the union's head office, including street address, city, province or territory, postal code, and country. This address will be used for official correspondence and public notices.

4. Listing the Initial Administrators

Provide the names and contact details of at least three, and up to fifteen, initial administrators, including a president and secretary. For each administrator, include their full name, address, and other relevant details. This information establishes the leadership structure of the union from the outset.

5. Signatures of Requisitioners

All requisitioners must sign the form to confirm their agreement and commitment to the union's formation. Each signer must be at least 16 years old. The form requires signatures, the date, and the location where the document is signed. If more signatures are needed, an annex can be attached.

Submitting the Form

Once completed, the entire form, including all signatures, should be sent to Services Québec. It is important to include any applicable payment, if required. The form must be submitted in person or by mail; facsimile transmission is not accepted. Be sure to keep copies of the submitted documents for your records.

Common Errors to Avoid

• Failing to include signatures from the minimum required number of requisitioners.
• Providing incomplete or incorrect contact information for the union or administrators.
• Omitting the required annexes, such as the name clarification page.
• Submitting the form without all signatures or signatures from individuals under 16.

Additional Resources

For detailed guidance, it is recommended to consult the Guide concerning the application for professional union formation (RE-305.G), available on the official Quebec government website. This guide offers step-by-step instructions and clarifications to facilitate your application process.

By carefully completing and submitting the Form RE-305, you take the first formal step toward establishing a professional union that can effectively serve and represent its members in Quebec.