Ask Questions / Frequently Asked Questions
[ Why am in in the union? | Why am I in Local 002? | How are union dues set? | What is a Membership Services Officer? | How do I become a union steward? | What is a criminal records check? | Where can I find union courses? ]
QUESTION: Why am I in the Union?
ANSWER: The Public Service Employee Relations Act (1977) established the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) as the bargaining organization for all government employees who were not in management or other excluded categories. Those employees who have religious or other objections to union membership are allowed to opt out, but must still pay dues to the union.
QUESTION: Why am I in Local 002?
ANSWER: Direct government (“general service”) employees in AUPE (as opposed to those in other sectors, such as health or educational services) are divided into several locals on the basis of “community of interest.” Local 002 includes employees in administrative and program services jobs. This includes most jobs requiring a university degree, with the exception of social workers, who are in Local 006. Each general service local has a separate subsidiary agreement specific to the work of that local; the subsidiary agreements include the pay grids and lists of the classifications included in that agreement. All general service employees are covered by the same Master Agreement. Together, the Master Agreement and Subsidiary Agreement compose the contract between the employees and the employer (the Government of Alberta).
If your job classification is included in Subsidiary Agreement 002, you are a member of Local 002.
QUESTION: How are union dues set?
ANSWER: Dues are set by vote of delegates to the annual convention of AUPE. Currently, dues are 1.25% of salary. Dues are tax-deductible.
QUESTION: What is a Membership Services Officer and how do I contact them?
AUPE's Membership Services Officers (MSOs) are employees of the Union. They serve as your first point of contact for information and can often help you find the right person to talk to, whether it is a union steward in your area or a specialist who can provide advice on specific issues. Officers cover specific regions, different employers, or government department.
Read more ... (pdf)
QUESTION: How do I become a union steward?
ANSWER: Fill out the nomination form, sign it and then give the form to a member of your Local/Chapter Executive. After you are nominated, you will need to take a two-day introductory course before becoming a Level 1 Union Steward. Find out more at:
Union Steward Course Description:
http://www.aupe.org/member-resources/education/course-descriptions/#2
Download the information booklet on becoming a Union Steward:
Union Steward booklet
Course dates:
http://www.aupe.org/events/calendar/1/
QUESTION: What is involved in a criminal records check and why do all positions now need one?
ANSWER: The Criminal Records Check involves a screening, for the presence of criminal convictions, against the Canadian Police Information Center (CPIC), based on name and birth date and is conducted by the applicable police force. According to Corporate Human Resources' website positions that require security screening should meet some or all of the following criteria:
- Positions of trust where the client relies on the character or truth of the employee.
- Positions charged with special status or designation.
- Positions dealing with court proceedings and evidence admitted to the court.
- Positions in contact with highly confidential/sensitive information or large amounts of cash, goods or restricted drugs. A case could be made that government positions are considered to be in positions of trust where the client relies on the character or truth of the employee.
QUESTION: Where can I find out about union courses?
ANSWER: AUPE has a calendar of courses. You can find it at:
Course Calendar
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