Union Membership – FAQ

August 29, 2023 - by MSA Office - in Uncategorized

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What is a Union?

A labour union is an organization formed by workers in a particular trade, industry, or
company for the purpose of improving working conditions such as pay, benefits, and safety.
Many people don’t realize that both employers and employees benefit when an effective
labour relationship is established between the two parties. Many progressive employers
recognize that unions bring a level of structure and fair process to the workplace that is
beneficial to everyone.

After employees choose a union as a bargaining representative, the employer and union
are required to meet at reasonable times to negotiate wages, hours, vacation time,
insurance, safety practices and other mandatory subjects such as a dispute resolution
process.

What is the Rand Formula?

The Rand formula was introduced by Supreme Court Justice Ivan Rand in 1946 while arbitrating the volatile Windsor Strike at Ford Motor Company. The decision states that the payment of union dues is mandatory for anyone benefitting from a Collective Agreement – regardless of whether they choose to be a signed member or not. Further reading: https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/rand-formula.

What does it mean to be a signed Union member?

As a member of the bargaining unit, you are legally required to pay union dues for core union activities including collective bargaining, workplace advocacy, and member services. However, it is your individual right to decide whether you wish to become a signed union member. Signed membership gives you voting privileges on internal union governance matters including the Constitution and Bylaws, Board of Directors, and access to other perks like scholarships and bursaries and the Corporate Discount program. MSA strongly encourages all dues payers to become a signed card-carrying member so you can have a voice in the affairs of your Association. Download a membership form here.

What is the difference between core and non-core dues?

Core union dues are legally required for all MSA members to cover the cost of core union activities including collective bargaining, workplace advocacy, and member services. The current rate that was voted on and approved by the MSA membership is 1.2% of all earnings. In addition, MSA funds a limited number of non-core activities such as scholarships and bursaries, membership in Public Interest Alberta, and occasionally charities such as the Edmonton Food Bank. Under Alberta Labour legislation, your participation to fund non-core activities ($0.50 per bi-weekly pay period) is completely optional. If you would like to opt-in to pay non-core dues, download a form here.

How is the Union governed?

The decisions and actions of MSA must be guided by the priorities and interests of the
membership.

Unions in Alberta are regulated by provincial legislation (Labour Code) through the Alberta
Labour Relations Board. We are required by law to be democratic and financially
accountable to our members. All unions have constitutions that must be registered with
the Labour Board.

MSA is an independent union and members nominate and elect colleagues from various
areas of campus to serve on the MSA Board of Directors.

The MSA Board hires the MSA Executive Director to manage the day-to-day operations,
supervise staff and fulfill all the representational and advocacy duties of the Union.

When can I meet with a Union representative?

Anytime! If you have a workplace concern, a question about the collective agreement or would like a union representative at a meeting, please contact MSA. Union representation is your right. We can be reached at msa@macewan.ca or 780.497.5697. In addition, all new members are welcome to an introductory meeting with MSA.

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