How Labour Unions Benefit Employers
Many employers are still rejecting the concept of unions. Fearful that unions will decrease the level of control they have over their workers, employers often claim that unions are far too costly and offer no benefit to their organization. Although man …
10 Free activities to do with your kids in Calgary this summer
It’s that time of year again! School’s out, the kids are restless, and you only have so many resources to keep them entertained. Don’t despair! Keeping the kids busy this summer doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are 10 completely free activities you …
3 Ways to Get Excited About Work Again
Starting a new job is alway somewhat exciting. But after years, or in some cases, decades of working for the same company, things can feel quite mundane, and it’s not at all uncommon to then feel unmotivated at work. Here are 3 simple ways you can get …
Is LLC the Right Place for You
Have you considered getting more involved with Teamsters 987? Are you interested in learning more about the labour movement in Canada and developing skills to help you become a better advocate for workers’ rights? If your answer to these questions is ‘ …
How Socializing at Work can Benefit you
Many of us purposefully separate work life from the rest of our lives, and there’s nothing wrong with that. We’re all about a good work life balance, which can sometimes mean drawing a clear line between work relationships and personal relationships. B …
Three Things to Take Away from the Rising Trend of Violent Attacks
Between the countless school shootings in the U.S. and other violent crimes such as the Toronto Van Attack, it seems that now more than ever, violence and hate are trending. Although these issues may seem far removed from us, they are not, and here are …
How Refugees Benefit the Workplace
Since 2015, almost 50,000 refugees have come to live in Canada. After escaping war torn homes, enduring a lengthy application process, and leaving loved-ones behind, many refugees still struggle to find adequate work and live a quality life in Canada. …
The unionizing process
For those that are unfamiliar with the process, unionizing your workplace can seem like an extremely daunting task. Don’t get us wrong, it’s hard work and requires a lot of diligence, but it’s simpler than you may think. If you’re thinking about organi …
How to deal with ageism in the workplace
Whether you’re working in an industry that is drastically changing due to technology or you’re surrounded by young, eager millennials, being an older worker comes with its fair share of challenges. All too often, the ideas of older workers are pushed t …
What the 2018 federal budget says about Canada
At the end of February, Canada’s federal budget was announced. With the government focused on equal pay, pharmacare and bettering quality of life for Indigenous peoples, we were generally pleased with the announcement. The 2018 federal budget is titled …
Are you the only woman on your team? Here’s what you should know
There’s no doubt that there are still many industries dominated by men. In fact, in the transportation and warehousing industry, the ratio of male to female workers stands at 5 to 1 in Canada. And in the construction industry, the ratio is 10 to 1 (Cat …
How to respectfully confront a coworker
There are several reasons why you may need to call out a coworker. Perhaps they said something offensive, did something to create a hostile work environment, or maybe they unintentionally made a mistake. Whatever the reason, confronting a colleague can …
I’ve joined a union, now what?
Many people think that unions only have true value when you’re facing a workplace crisis, which may leave a lot of union members feeling as if they need to wait until something bad happens before they can engage with their union. This couldn’t be furth …
Bill 30: What it’s about and how it could help you
Bill 30 was introduced at the end of last year and is set to come into effect June 1, 2018. This bill is ultimately designed to keep workers safe – both physically and mentally – and to ensure their quality of life is better protected. Here’s a summary …
The Sharing Economy: Helping or Hurting?
Sharing economy is more-or-less defined as a business model that allows consumers to share access to goods or services that were previously only available through regulated industries. Sharing economy is a rapidly growing trend that has drastically cha …
Made a mistake at work? Here’s how you recover
Mistakes happen, and regardless of what industry you’re in or what your job description is, it never feels good to mess up at work. Making a mistake at work can be especially upsetting if you are a newer employee or hoping for a promotion, but it’s how …
Don’t Fit In At Work? Here’s What you can do
Not fitting in at work may seem like a insignificant problem, but it’s not at all. Feeling comfortable among your colleagues greatly contributes to a positive work environment, so if you’re feeling like you don’t fit in, here are some things you can do …
Being Differently Abled At Work
For far too long, the term ‘disabled’ has been used to describe a person without the same abilities as the ‘average person’. With this term, we’ve unintentionally labelled so many individuals as ‘less than’ and ‘inferior,’ and have gone on to treat the …
Is your workplace compliant?
Alberta’s labour law changes have been the topic of conversation for quite some time. Now that these changes have been in effect for a couple months, employers are fully responsible for ensuring they understand the changes and are fully compliant with …
Injured at work? These are your rights and responsibilities
Work-related injuries are far more common than we’d like them to be. The reality is, it happens, and when a worker is hurt on the job, someone has to pay for it; luckily, it doesn’t have to be the worker. As an employee in Alberta, you have rights if y …
How to Deal with Workplace Gossip
It may seem like a juvenile issue, but the truth is, gossip happens at all ages even within the most sophisticated organizations, and it’s not without its consequences. Workplace gossip can be a major contributor to a negative work environment, which c …
Constructive Dismissal: What it is and Why it Matters
Constructive dismissal occurs when an employee resigns due to a breach of contract by the employer or a hostile work environment. If an employee feels somewhat forced to resign because an employer has failed to hold up their end of the bargain or has c …
Alberta Labour Law Changes Part 2: What it Means For Employees in 2018
Last year, the Alberta Labour Code underwent a much-needed review, and as of January 1st, 2018, some changes to our labour laws have come into effect. Here’s a summary of the Labour Code changes regarding workers’ rights around leave. Please note, all …
When to Join a Union
Many people wait until they’re unhappy at work or until they lose their jobs before thinking about joining a union, but this shouldn’t be the case. You can be perfectly happy at your place of work but still be in a position where joining a union is nec …
8 Resume Tips for 2018
A new year tends to get a lot of people thinking about how they can improve themselves, whether personally or professionally. So we thought we’d help. Whether you’re actively looking for a new job, or just want to be prepared when a great opportunity c …
Alberta Labour Law Changes Part 1: What it Means for Employees in 2018
Early last year, Alberta Labour Labour Laws were reviewed in order to modernize codes that had not been updated in almost 30 years. Change was necessary, and although our labour laws aren’t perfect, we were pleased to see our government taking action a …
2017 in Review
It’s been a great year, and an eventful one at that, so we thought we’d take some time to look back at the highlights of 2017. Reflecting on the past year reminds us of just how strong we are together and what we are capable of accomplishing as a famil …
5 Ways to Reduce Stress at Work
The words ‘work’ and ‘stress’ unfortunately go hand in hand quite often. No matter what industry you’re working in, chances are you have experienced your fair share of stress on the job. There are many different elements that contribute to a stressful …
Holiday Activities on a Budget
It’s the perfect time for spending days with family and enjoying the warmth of the holiday season, but between all the gift-buying and seasonal outings, the holidays can be costly. So skip the expensive shows and dive into these 8 affordable (if not, f …
Shining a light on corporate greed
It’s been all over the news for months, reminding employees all over Canada that they may not be as protected as they think. The liquidation of Sears Canada has captured the attention of the entire country and left workers and advocates absolutely floo …
Tips for finding the perfect holiday gift under $30
Between presents, parties, and travel, the holiday season is typically the time of year where your wallet takes the biggest hit. While trying to find that perfect gift for the ones you love, it can become all too easy to get carried away. Here are some …
Parental leave: How Canada compares
Parental leave can be a touchy subject and is treated differently in many countries. There are many ways in which Canada is leading the way for workers’ rights and many areas in which we fail to do enough. Let’s look at laws around parental leave and s …
Our thoughts on the NAFTA renegotiations
It’s been all over the news and, most likely, all over your social media newsfeeds for the past couple months. The renegotiation of NAFTA has been a hot topic across North America, and for good reason. It’s a big deal. We thought we’d provide an overvi …
Remembrance Day: Looking at Veteran Support in Canada
Remembrance day is right around the corner, and it’s important for us to take time to honour those who fought for the country we enjoy today. At Teamsters 987, we recognize the brave men and women who have risked and/or given their lives for our countr …
How healthy is your workplace?
Each work environment is so different, so it’s difficult to establish one way to determine if an environment is healthy is not. There are, however, some key factors that contribute to the creation of a healthy or toxic environment. At Teamsters 987, we …
It’s time to shine a light on workplace bullying
Workplace Bullying is repeated, health-harming mistreatment of one or more persons by one or more perpetrators. It is abusive conduct that is: Threatening, humiliating, or intimidating, or Work interference — sabotage — which prevents work from getting …
The strength of the brotherhood
In case you didn’t already know, Teamsters 987 and Teamsters Canada are affiliated with the larger entity that is the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT). Although ‘brotherhood’ is a somewhat dated term that unfortunately excludes women, its e …
Addiction treatment in the workplace
Due to stigmas and stereotypes, addictions are often seen as problems for the irresponsible or those who have ‘fallen off the wagon.’ This perception couldn’t be more wrong; addiction can happen to anyone. It is not a sign of failure or weakness but is …
Escaping the rut with everyday goals
Life can get redundant, and while going through the motions of eat, sleep, work, repeat, it’s easy to find yourself falling into an unforeseen rut. Don’t get us wrong, there is nothing wrong with consistency. Even though consistency can make life feel …
5 Ways to Skill Up in a Downturn
Alberta has seen some tough economic times in its past and will undoubtedly see more in the future. Various industries can be impacted in different ways during economic downturns, and workers that previously held seemingly secure positions can all of a …
Celebrating 75 Years of Serving Albertan Workers
In 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters was founded in order to improve working conditions for drivers and cargo handlers. In 114 years, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters has grown into one of the most influential trade unions in a …
Suicide prevention day
“Every year, more than 800,000 people die by suicide and up to 25 times as many make a suicide attempt. Behind these statistics are the individual stories of those who have, for many different reasons, questioned the value of their own lives.” -WSPD Se …
Can My Employer Force Me to Take Training Without Pay?
There have probably been times when you’ve been asked to take some training at work. For example, if you’ve just been hired at a new job, new systems have recently been introduced at your existing job, or perhaps there have been adjustments to industry …
Excellent and Free Campsites in BC
Summer is coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean camping season has to end. Our neighbour province, British Columbia, boasts beautiful weather in the fall and is home to hundreds of incredible and free campsites. Thinking of making a trip out to BC? …
Working a Desk Job? Here are 5 Ways to Stay Active
We’re all well aware that physical activity is crucial for your long-term health. But that doesn’t mean we all make time for it. Between work, home life and your social life, physical activity can easily get put on the back-burner or forgotten altogeth …
How to Carve Out Family Time While Working Nights
Working odd hours has its fair share of downsides, among them is the difficulty of maintaining relationships. If you work night shifts, you may be taking naps in the evenings before work, missing out on family dinners or putting your kids to bed. So he …
How to Stand Up Against Workplace Discrimination
It’s a sad but true fact that discrimination is a common occurrence experienced by many. Whether because of race, gender, disabilities or sexuality, people within marginalized groups often face discrimination on both a personal and professional level. …
The Problem with Precarious Work
Precarious work typically refers to any type of employment that is considered non-standard, including casual work, temporary work, work with no set hours and work without benefits or pension. Generally speaking, precarious work offers no job security w …
Know Your Rights when it comes to Vacation Pay
With summer in full swing, many of us are just itching to get out and cash in on those vacation days. When it comes to vacation pay, the rules are fairly straight forward, but that doesn’t mean every employer follows them to a T. Here are some basic th …
A Review of Canadian Labour History
In honour of Canada’s 150th birthday, we thought we’d take the time to look back at the game-changing moments in Canada’s labour history. Many life-changing moves for workers have taken place right here in Canada because of workers just like you who re …
Tips for the Shift Worker: How to stay healthy during shift work
The term ‘shift work’ typically refers to any work hours outside of the standard 7am – 6pm time. As the title suggests, shift workers often do not have a consistent schedule, but rotate through various shifts. If you’re a shift worker, you know all too …
5 activities to do with your kids this summer
On one hand, the word ‘summer’ can evoke so many positive emotions with thoughts of sunshine, warm weather, BBQs and camping. On the other hand, the word ‘summer’ can also conjure up feelings of stress if you’re wrestling with the age-old question of ‘ …
What to look for when signing your employment contract
Between the excitement of finding a new job and the stress of learning the ropes at a new company, it’s easy to ignore small details involved in starting a position, like your employment contract. Chances are you’ve signed a few employment contracts in …
5 Gems for Camping in Alberta this Summer
The summer experience is arguably incomplete without a camping trip, and luckily, Alberta happens to be home to some of the best campsites Canada has to offer. Plan a weekend, grab the kids or your closest friends, and take in the great outdoors. The f …
Coping with Changes in the Workplace
These days it seems as though every week there’s another news article out announcing expected wage cuts in an Albertan workplace. Economic times are tough in Alberta, and it didn’t take long for the damage to travel from just the oil & gas industry …
Racial Discrimination in the Workplace & Understanding Your Rights
Racism is believed by many to be virtually nonexistent in Canada today; but this idea couldn’t be more wrong. Non-Caucasian individuals experience racism of all forms on a regular basis, and it is by no means uncommon for a person of colour to experien …
4 National Parks to Visit in Alberta this Spring
The sun is out, the grass is green and the days are getting longer. It’s finally that time of the year to start spending time in the great outdoors. In celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, Parks Canada has waived fees for 2017 park passes. If you’re …
5 Ways to Show the Mother in Your Life You Care
Mother’s Day has never been about lavish gifts or expensive dinners, instead it’s about showing a very hardworking person in your life just how much you care about them. Whether it’s for your own mother or the mother of your children, here are 5 simple …
LGBTQ Rights in the Workplace
*Note: The term LGBTQ is a shortened version of the acronym LGBTTQQIAAP. This stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, ally and pansexual. Workplace discrimination is a reality that many people …
What’s a fair workweek?
Understanding the laws around the hours you work is essential to ensure you’re being treated fairly in the workplace. Many of us are well aware of the basic rules of overtime work and pay, but there are clear exceptions to these rules outlined in the G …
Physical Appearance & Your Workplace
When it comes to understanding the weight of physical appearance in the workplace, two very important questions must be answered: ‘Do looks matter in the workplace?’ and ‘Should looks matter in the workplace?’ There are many different physical characte …
Worker and Job Automation: How can a union help?
We’re living in an age defined by technology and its advances. These rapidly evolving technological trends have changed the way we socialize, they way we entertain ourselves, the way we educate, the way we travel, and the way we consume products and se …
Recently Out of Work? Here’s what you should be doing
Today in Alberta, economic times are tough, meaning if you’ve recently found yourself out of work, you’re not the only one. If you’re ready to get back out into the workforce, here are some strategies to land a job that much quicker. Spread the word We …
Women’s rights in the workplace
The battle for gender equality in the workplace has a long history, and is ongoing. Unions have played an important part in this fight for over a century. Canadian unions have not only been fighting for equal pay for decades, but also spearheaded the m …
TPP and Its Impact On The Canadian Dairy Industry
The Teamsters Canada Dairy and Sales Drivers Division continue to be characterized by the successful negotiation and ratification of a number of collective agreements across Canada. These successes reaffirm the leadership of the Officers, Agents, and R …
Part Time Employee Rights and Issues: How Unions Help
Whether you’re trying to balance a busy schedule between home and work or you just can’t seem to find a full-time position, part-time work is often the only option. Unfortunately, both provincial and federal labour laws are weak when it comes to protec …
Indigenous rights in and out of the workplace
Canada has a history of mistreating Indigenous people, and although as a nation we are beginning to acknowledge the damage we’ve caused and fight for change, we are far from where we need to be with respect to the rights of Indigenous people. Canada’s …
5 Signs of a Bad boss
Everyone deserves a boss who treats him or her with fairness and dignity, but that’s not always the case. Although laws are put in place to protect employees from poor treatment at the hands of an employer, these laws can only do so much, and in realit …
5 Valentine’s Date Ideas That Won’t Break The Bank
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and if you have a significant other in your life, chances are they have expectations for a special date night. Valentines day dates can be expensive activities, and as the weather gets colder, the options for creati …
The Issue of Disability Rights in the Workplace and How You Can Help
At Teamsters 987, we believe that equality within the workplace is just as important as fair compensation or a safe work environment, but unfortunately, many workplaces do not treat this issue as important, especially when it comes to the rights of tho …
5 active things you can do for (practically) free this winter
The holiday season has past, and for many of us, has left behind a couple extra pounds, and as the cold weather persists, finding the motivation to get outside and enjoy some physical activity becomes increasingly more difficult. So here are 5 activiti …
How To Keep Goals: 5 Steps To Setting Goals You’ll Actually Keep
A new year is a great opportunity to set goals for yourself, but many of us either get a little too ambitious with our goal-setting, or just don’t set goals at all. It’s far too easy to set 50 goals on January 1st only to completely forget about them b …
How a growing union benefits you
Being a member of a union means you have a voice, it means you have the negotiating power to receive better compensation and better treatment in your workplace, and it means you have ongoing support in establishing a better quality of life for yourself …
Workplace Mental Health: Make Mental Health Support In The Workplace Mandatory
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), mental illness is an issue that directly affects one in five Canadian adults, and indirectly affects every single Canadian at some time whether it’s through a family member, friend or co-worke …
Alberta’s minimum wage increase: what it means for you
On October 1, 2016, the Government of Alberta raised the minimum wage from $11.20/hour to $12.20/hour. The minimum wage increase was designed to help Albertan workers better support themselves and their families, and has made Alberta the province with …
What is the Difference between Free Trade vs. Fair Trade and Why Does It Matter
In some instances, fair trade and free trade are used interchangeably, but these two trade agreements have very different meanings. What is free trade? Free trade means that other nations can compete within our economy. Free trade agreements include re …
10 Tips for Shop Stewards
As a Teamsters 987 Shop Steward, your job is to be a leader, an organizer, and an educator. You work on behalf of the union members to ensure their concerns are being heard, and in doing so, you help establish better workplace environments. Here are so …
Engaging your Labour Union Business Agent
Teamsters Local Union 987 Businesses Agents, like Shop Stewards, work for you and are available to help with grievances, but their function is more than just that. Your business agent knows the ins and outs of both the union and your industry workplace …
Championing Safety in the Workplace: Workplace Safety Tips
Your employer should always be making sure that you’re operating under the safest conditions possible. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. This is why safety champions are so important. Being a safety champion can look different depending on whe …
The members have spoken! A recap of Teamster’s 987 election results.
Teamsters Local Union 987 strongly believes in the effectiveness of collective power and unity. Simply put, we wouldn’t be here without you – our members, so we exist to serve you. This is why we wholeheartedly believe in your leadership being chosen t …
Employee Voice In The Workplace: Your Voice Matters
Regardless of whether you work in the service industry, a trade, or for a large corporation, chances are you’ve felt insignificant and unheard at your place of work. Unfortunately, these feelings have allowed workers all over the world to be taken adva …
Mental health awareness – how to monitor yourself
Mental illness, like physical illness can get worse if left untreated, and although there are many causes of mental illness that you have no control over, such as genetics, trauma, brain damage and prenatal damage, there are also many causes and contri …
Exploring a life before unions
Picture this: you wake up at the crack of dawn to arrive at work by 6 a.m.. You then proceed to work until 6 or 7 p.m. without any break, only to bring home $2.00 at the end of the day. Now repeat this process 7 days a week. No weekends, no vacation, j …
Diversity in the workplace
Diversity in the workplace hasn’t always been accepted, much less encouraged, but the fight for equality among individuals of different genders, races, ages, and sexual orientations is beginning to pay off, and workplaces are far better for it. Canada …
Healthy Lunch Ideas For Work: 5 Healthy Lunch Tips
The right lunchtime habits can leave you rejuvenated and ready to face the second half of your workday, while the wrong habits can leave you crashing and crankier than ever. Here are 5 healthy lunch tips to improve your workday and your overall health. …
8 Ways to Get a Better Work-Life Balance
A little stress at work is normal, but if you’re experiencing constant stress at work without proper relaxation time, you can easily burnout. Burnouts happen when you’re completely overwhelmed by daily life, and the effects of burnouts go far beyond ju …
How Teamsters 987 stands up for Each Member of their Union Family
Being in a union means you’re not alone. It means that your concerns about how you’re treated, how you’re compensated, ensuring your voice is heard, and provides you with a team actively fighting for your rights. Here are some examples of how Teamsters …
4 Ways to Add Physical Activity to Your Day
Physical activity has countless benefits such as keeping your weight under control, enhancing your mood, reducing risk of disease, and increasing life expectancy, just to name a few. But after a hard day’s work, it’s easy to stop seeing exercise for al …
HEALTH AND SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE MORE THAN JUST PHYSICAL WELLBEING
Have you ever suffered an injury at work due to a hazardous work environment? It is well known that an unsafe physical working environment is connected to absence due to illness and poor work performance. However, mental health and overall wellbeing wh …
CLOSING THE GENDER WAGE GAP TOGETHER. WHAT CAN YOU DO?
The Gender Wage Gap in Canada- Facts The gender wage gap is the difference in earnings between women and men in the workplace for doing the exact same job. Did you know that in Canada a woman makes 72 cents to every dollar that her male counterpart mak …
EASY IDEAS FOR TIGHTENING YOUR BUDGETING BELT
Nothing puts more stress on life than uncertain financial times. We’re not suggesting bad things are going to happen. We’re just offering some friendly budgeting advice that can help all of us in uncertain times. In tight times, tighten up your credit …
What is Collective Bargaining and What’s In It For Me?
Whether you’re a current Teamsters 987 member or you’re curious about the benefits of joining a union, there’s no doubt that a collective bargaining agreement offers workers key benefits that contribute to a great work life and better general quality o …
FIVE WAYS TO CHAMPION A SAFE WORKPLACE
Every job is different and so is every workplace. Some jobs are more hazardous than others, but regardless of what you do for work, there’s a lot you can do at work to ensure safety is always top of mind. Get involved. Most workplaces, including unioni …
EARNING WHAT YOU’RE WORTH WITH A UNION WAGE
When you think about it, we spend a huge chunk of our lives at work. And the money we earn is what fuels the rest of our life. It’s what pays the bills, feeds the family and allows us to pursue the other things we enjoy. So what’s wrong with wanting to …
Your rights at work: labour relations in Alberta
As a Teamsters Local 987 member, you hear it all the time: “Stand up for your rights!” Becoming a Teamster was your first step in the right direction, but do you ever wonder what exactly those rights are? We also hear that “knowledge is power,” but rea …
Myths About Unions: The Top Five Union Myths Busted
A union’s goal is always to go on strike Unions are in the business of reaching agreements, not stalemates. Strikes are a last resort, and they only occur when the majority of members vote in favour of them. In fact, only 3% of union negotiations in Ca …
Simple Tips to Lower Vacation Stress
Planning a vacation can be daunting enough at the best of times, but you work hard to earn your time off and should make the absolute most out of it. One of the most important parts of planning a summer vacation is budgeting. Creating and following a v …
Unions Benefits: Understanding The Benefits Of Your Union
With 5,000 members in Alberta and over 120,000 members nationwide, a large union such as Teamsters provides support and backing to all members: locally, nationally and across North America. The members that Teamsters 987 represent include those from t …
