Frequently Asked Questions

A union allows all workers to have a voice in the workplace. It helps ensure access to a fair and safe working environment. By protecting your rights and working conditions, unions allow you to have better jobs and a more comfortable lifestyle.

If you are an employee in this province, you can join a Union.

A union allows all workers to have a voice in the workplace. It helps ensure access to a fair and safe working environment. By protecting your rights and working conditions, unions allow you to have better jobs and a more comfortable lifestyle.

Teamsters 987 believes in supporting and helping our members beyond the workplace. We know our members face challenging issues that can’t be ignored – financial struggles, family emergencies, accidents, illness, etc. Teamsters 987 can help with all matters that impact your work status. We have many resources to support our members through difficult times and to help them reach their goals. Your steward, your Union representative and Teamsters 987 can help you. Some initiatives offered by the Teamsters:

• • Scholarship funds to help our members and their families.
  • Fundraising for worthwhile causes.
  • Community involvement and events.
  • Access to organizations that help people in need.
  • Educational resources and training.

Whether you would be considered as an independent contractor or an employee under the Alberta Labour Relations Act depends on a number of factors. Often, employers will try to convince employees that they are independent contractors when they are in fact employees. If you are unsure which classification you fall under, call our office confidentially and speak with an organizer who can help with making that determination.

Working with our organizer you and your coworkers will need to get a minimum 40% of employees at your work to sign a petition stating you want to form a Union. Once you have the necessary number of petitions the organizer will make an application for certification with the Alberta Labour Relations Board. If the board determines that at least 40% of employees have signed petitions the Board will order a secret ballot vote, if over 50% of employees vote yes Teamsters 987 will become your new bargaining agent (Union)!

No, your employer is never made aware of who did or did not sign a petition. When an application for certification is submitted the Alberta Labour Relations Board Officer requests a list of names of all employees from your employer so the Board, not your employer, can verify employee support for the application. This ensures your employer has no knowledge of which employees signed petitions.

Union dues are calculated by multiplying your hourly rate of pay by 2.5 and adding $2 to that number. For example, if your hourly rate of pay is $20/hour your dues would be: $20×2.5=$50 $50+$2=$52/month for Union dues

We are a non-profit organization. Your membership dues (tax deductible) allow Teamsters 987 to support and defend you and our over 125,000 other members.

You only pay monthly dues after you and your coworkers have ratified (voted to accept) your first collective agreement (contract with your employer). You will not pay any dues to your Union until you and your coworkers decide you want to accept the contract that has been negotiated.

You don’t need to have all your coworkers sign a petition for the Labour Board to order a vote, only 40%. Once a secret ballot vote is ordered every employee will have the opportunity to vote in secret, so your employer will never know how you voted.

Going on strike is a collective measure voted on by the group; it demonstrates your group’s solidarity facing your employer’s demands. This is not an easy task, but your co-workers and Union Representatives are there to support you during this time. If you believe a strike is likely in your workplace, it is important to know your options and rights. See your steward or Union Representative. Teamsters 987 has a strike fund that will support you.

Teamsters 987 represents several industries and, depending on where you live, there’s likely a local union close by that can help. Click here to contact Teamsters 987 today. You will be put in touch with a Union Representative or organizer who can help you become a union member.