Alberta’s Transportation Workers Union
The transportation division covers workers employed at school bus companies, parking lots and garages, and car rental companies. It also covers manufacturing plant transportation workers in divisions such as chemical, paper, electronic, tires, and transmission. School bus workers are one of the largest groups within the division. These vital workers keep our cities and communities connected and work tirelessly to ensure safe practices. A union can ensure your time and effort are respected and valued.
What the Teamsters Transportation Union Can Do for You
Joining with Teamsters 987 (TLU 987) to unionize your workforce can help address the many challenges transportation workers face across Alberta.
Unionizing provides options for workers who depend on consistent hours and fair pay to provide for their families. A union can stand up for a safer and fairer workplace, greater benefits, sick days and personal days, and health-related issues. For transportation workers who face long shifts, unpredictable schedules, and physically demanding conditions, we can advocate for fair scheduling, route protections, and workplace safety standards. We also fight for pensions and retirement options. All transportation workers — from school bus drivers to parking and car rental employees — deserve stability and support. Teamsters 987 can help you find it. Discover more about how Teamsters can help transportation workers on our labour union benefits page.
- Higher Wages
- Better Health Benefits
- Increased Job Security
- Safe Working Conditions
- Fair Scheduling & Route Protections
- Paid Sick Days & Personal Days
More Than a Bus Drivers Union: All the Transportation Workers We Represent
Teamsters Local 987 represents a wide range of transportation workers across Alberta, from school bus drivers and parking lot attendants to car rental employees and plant transportation workers in industries like chemical, paper, electronics, and manufacturing. If you move people, vehicles, or goods as part of your job, a union can help ensure your work is met with fair wages, safe working conditions, and the benefits you deserve. Whether you’re working long shifts behind the wheel or managing vehicles on a plant floor in Calgary, Edmonton, or anywhere across the province, Teamsters 987 has been fighting for transportation workers since 2006.
- school bus drivers
- parking lot attendants
- car rental employees
- plant transportation workers
Starting a Union is Easy
The biggest step when starting a union is realizing that you deserve to be treated with dignity, respect and fairness. Once you find a determined leader who is committed to the cause, the process is quite straightforward and Teamsters 987 is there to support you every step of the way. To discover the 8 Simple Steps visit: How To Start A Union.
Efforts to start a union will be resisted by management. An employer may attempt to threaten you, but fortunately, you are legally protected against intimidation or dismissal. Your Teamsters 987 organizer can provide valuable advice to help you get the support of your coworkers while minimizing any risk.
Need Information on Forming a Transportation or Bus Driver Union in Alberta?
TLU 987 has been creating fair workplaces for workers since 1942 with 100% confidentiality. Want to learn more about unions? Click here.
Transportation Worker Union FAQ’s
The timeline can vary depending on the size of the workplace and the cooperation of the employer, but the certification process in Alberta can move relatively quickly once enough workers have signed union cards. Teamsters 987 will walk you through every step and keep the process as smooth and efficient as possible.
When a collective agreement is in place, all employees will be required to pay dues. The amount is calculated by multiplying your hourly wage rate by 2.5 and adding $2.
So if your hourly rate of pay is $20/hour, your dues would be: $20×2.5=$50 $50+$2=$52/month for Union dues.
In Alberta, you generally need support from a majority of employees in your proposed bargaining unit to apply for certification. Teamsters 987 can walk you through the process confidentially and help you understand what's required at your specific workplace.
No. They are not able to access the results of a petition. It is confidential. When an application for certification is submitted, the Alberta Labour Relations Board Officer receives a current list of all employees. It is up to the Board to confirm if you have enough votes to support the application to start a union – not your employer.
No — it is completely legal for Alberta grocery workers to organize and join a union. Under the Alberta Labour Relations Code, your employer cannot threaten, intimidate, or punish you for union activity. If your employer attempts to interfere with your right to organize, Teamsters 987 can help you understand your legal protections and next steps.
Yes. Teamsters 987 represents transportation workers within manufacturing plants, including those in chemical, paper, electronics, and tire production facilities. If your role involves moving vehicles, equipment, or goods within a plant environment, you may be eligible.
Yes. Alberta's labour laws protect your right to organize. You cannot be fired, demoted, or disciplined for pursuing union membership, and your employer is required by law to bargain in good faith once a union is certified.
Absolutely. Teamsters 987 represents workers in parking facilities and car rental operations across Alberta. Union representation can help you negotiate better wages, more consistent scheduling, and improved working conditions.
No. All inquiries to Teamsters 987 are 100% confidential. Your employer cannot legally retaliate against you for exploring your union options or for signing an organizing petition.
Yes. Teamsters Local 987 represents school bus workers across Alberta and has extensive experience organizing and supporting school bus drivers. Whether you work for a private school bus company or a contracted operator, you have the right to unionize.
LEARN HOW STARTING A
UNION CAN TRANSFORM
YOUR WORKPLACE
Reach out to a Teamsters 987 Organizer.
It’s 100% confidential.
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