Frequently Asked Questions
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If the Union cost nothing, it probably would not be worth anything.
In some Unions, there are no dues. The employer takes care of running the expenses of the Union; sometimes it even supplies recreational facilities. In these Unions, the employer also names the officers and Shop Stewards and settles the grievances. The employer sits on both sides of the bargaining table and the worker is in the middle getting squeezed and has no voice.
In legitimate Unions, the workers pay the cost. They know that they will get out of the Union what they put in. Union dues pay for a variety of services including: operating a local Union, costs associated with bargaining, hiring staff, legal services, sending members and the Executive Board to Conferences, Strike Funds, Insurance, Education and per capita portions to the Coalition. Not all Unions in Canada are part of a Coalition.
A portion of Union dues is spent on organizing the unorganized. About one-third of all Canadian workers are represented by Unions. There are literally millions of people without protection and employers are able to use these workers to under cut hard-won and decent contracts. How much we get in wages and benefits depends on how strongly we are organized. In elections, monet spent for organizing is spent winning gains for us.
Your Union dues are calculated as follows:
0.006875 mulitplied by your gross bi-weekly salary + $6.00 flat fee
Dues are not paid on any overtime worked.
Why should I be a card-carrying member?
Please see the Member Card page.
How can I request to have a member card?
Ask your Shop Steward for an Oath Card to fill out or print one off from here. See the Member Card page for more information.
Can I send mail to the Union office using the interdepartmental mail services?
Yes, CSU 52 sends and receives mail to all of it's bargaining units (except TELUS World of Science) through interdepartmental mail.
The General Membership Meeting is held on the first Tuesday of each month (excluding July and August) at 5:30 p.m. at the Norwood Legion, 11150 - 82 Street.
The Executive Board Committee Meeting is held on the second Tuesday of each month at the Union office, 11305 - 95 Street.
The Shop Stewards Assembly Meeting is held on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Norwood Legion, 11150 - 82 Street.
EPCOR Calgary Contact Centre General Membership Meetings are held on a Thursday on an as-required basis. Calgary members will be notified in advance by their Contractual Unit Representative of the date, time and location.
What is the Coalition of Edmonton Civic Unions (CECU)?
The Coalition of Edmonton Civic Unions (C.E.C.U.) consists of five Unions who meet on a regular basis to discuss common issues of mutual interest:
Civic Service Union 52
Amalgamated Transit Union 569
Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 30
Edmonton Fire Fighters Union Local 209
United Food & Commercial Workers 401
The C.E.C.U. came together in October 1993, and represents over 8,000 members. It was formed in response to the 1994 City budget which was calling for some particularly brutal service cuts which would have resulted in across-the-board layoffs affecting each Union. At that time there was also an issue of whether Union leaders could speak out without risking employer action. In 1996, the C.E.C.U. hired a full-time Liaison Representative who reports to each local President.
The Coalition endeavours to gather and share information and coordinate action. The Coalition promotes and maintains strong relationships between Civic Unions and other Unions or organizations that complement our goals. The Coalition provides a forum for the discussion of issues, exploration of values and interests, resolution of differences and the formation of strategies and action plans providing for a common approach to collective bargaining, public policy making, and by building constructive relationships with the employer based on shared working relationship interests.
Did you know that...
- Seniority is the entire time spent, without a break in service, in CSU 52 jobs. It never changes. No matter where you move in the bargaining unit, your seniority stays with you.
- As a Unionized employee, you cannot sue the employer or use a lawyer. You must pursue recourse through the Union where representation will be provided to you at no cost.
- As a member of the Union you are automatically subject to the terms or your Collective Agreement. Do you know what your rights are? Do you know what rights you don't have? Ask your Shop Steward for the most current copy of the Collective Agreement or visit the Publications page.
- Before Unions were established the word was "NO"
No seniority
No job security
No representation
No grievance procedure
No promotional opportunities
No job classification
No health and safety programs
No relief periods
No work standards
No uniform pay scale
No guaranteed wage increases
No call-in pay
No paid vacations
No paid absence allowance
No jury duty pay
No bereavement pay
No life insurance benefits
No sickness and accident benefits
No short-term disability benefits
No long-term disability benefits
No medicare protection
No supplement unemployment benefits
No prescription drugs
No dental programs
No health and safety committee
No time off for medical appointments
No flex time (earned day off)