Monday, Nov. 10, 2003

Frequently Asked Questions about what happens now that the votes are counted and AUPE has become your union.

Now that the votes have been counted and AUPE will be declared the union for general support service employees in six of nine Alberta health region, and for auxiliary nursing care employees in all nine regions, affected employees jobs will have important questions about what happens next.

This FAQ answers some of the questions new AUPE members and old will have during the transition process.

If you have additional questions, please send them to info@aupe.org and we will attempt to answer them on this page.Are we all now members of AUPE?

All health region employees who were members of unions other than AUPE will remain members of their old unions until the Alberta Labour Relations Board issues a “declaration” moving them into AUPE. That is expected to happen very soon — possibly by December 1.
What happens then?

When the Labour Board issues the declaration, AUPE will have the legal right and responsibility to represent you. Your union dues will start to go to AUPE at that time.

What ARE my union dues?

AUPE members pay 1.25 per cent of base pay only. AUPE does not charge union dues on overtime pay or on shift and weekend premiums. Depending on the formula used by your old union, you will probably see a decrease in your union dues.

Whom do I contact if I have a problem at work?

You should contact the nearest AUPE office directly for the name of a representative who can advise you and help you with your problem. There is a list of AUPE offices and their numbers at the bottom of this page.

Who is my local representative?

AUPE has assigned Union Representatives and Membership Service Officers to each of its locals and chapters.
To find the name of your representative, or the number of your local, please call your nearest AUPE office, listed below.

What will AUPE do to help me get oriented to my new union?

AUPE will be holding orientation meetings for new members at your workplace. In addition, AUPE will offer orientation courses for new members. These courses will be held throughout the province. AUPE will pay lost wages and other expenses to allow you to attend these courses.

What do I do if I want to be active in AUPE, or attend an orientation course?

Call AUPE’s nearest regional office and someone will help you get involved. The numbers are listed below. You can call AUPE toll-free from anywhere in Alberta at 1-800-232-7284.

How can I find out more about AUPE?

AUPE’s Web site — www.aupe.org — is a good place to start. The Web site has a wealth of information about AUPE and its activities. As an AUPE member, you will also automatically receive a copy of AUPE’s quarterly newspaper — Direct Impact. The next issue is planned in February. If you call your nearest AUPE office, we will send you a copy of Owner’s Manual, a booklet outlining AUPE’s organization and services.

When will I receive an AUPE membership card?

New AUPE members usually receive a membership card within about three months. If you have not received a card in that time frame, please contact AUPE at 1-800-232-7284 and press 1, or call 930-3300 in Edmonton, and ask for the Records Department. You can also email the department at records@aupe.org.

What happens if I had a grievance that was being carried forward by my old union’s staff?

Your grievance will be transferred to AUPE’s Disputes and Arbitration Section, which will continue to work to find a satisfactory resolution.

Can I run for office in AUPE?

All AUPE members are eligible to run for union office at any level. A good place to start is to become — or to continue being — active in your workplace. Members who were active in their previous union are welcome and encouraged to play an active role in AUPE.

We don’t have a steward in our workplace — what should I do?

Consider becoming an AUPE Union Steward. AUPE offers an excellent training program for union stewards and you are encouraged to take advantage of these courses. AUPE will pay lost wages and your expenses when you take an AUPE training course. Contact your nearest AUPE office to find out about course times and locations.

What other training does AUPE offer?

AUPE’s Education Section offers a wide range of courses — including basic union stewards training, advanced stewards training, contract interpretation, collective bargaining, and occupational health and safety.

For more information, contact AUPE:
1-800-232-7284 (toll-free throughout Alberta)

www.aupe.org

info@aupe.org

Headquarters (Edmonton) — 930-3300 (Toll-free line, press 1)

Calgary Regional Office — 531-8600 (Toll-free line, press 7)

East Central Regional Office (Camrose) — 672-8877 (Toll-free line, press 4)

South Regional Office (Lethbridge) — 329-1210 (Toll-free line, press 8)

Northwest Regional Office (Peace River) — 624-2424 (Toll-free line, press 2)

Central Alberta Regional Office (Red Deer) — 343-2100 (Toll-free line, press 6)

Athabasca Satellite Office (Athabasca) - 675-2033 (Toll-free line, press 5)