Founded more than 70 years ago by engineers who wanted better working conditions, the Society of United Professionals now has members in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Among the organizations United Professionals’ members work for are Ontario Power Generation, Hydro One, Bruce Power, Independent Electricity System Operator, Legal Aid Ontario, Inergi, Toronto Hydro, Electrical Safety Authority, Ontario Energy Board, National Judicial Institute, and Chinese and Southeast Asian Legal Clinic.

A democratic organization, members of the Society of United Professionals vote on everything from the union’s constitution and dues increases to collective agreements and policies. Membership is voluntary.

The Society of United Professionals is Local 160 of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers. Based in Washington, D.C. and with 80,000 members across North America, IFPTE represents a variety of professionals, including lawyers, judges, social workers, scientists and accountants. Additionally, United Professionals is affiliated to the Canadian Labour Congress, Ontario Federation of Labour and many local labour councils.