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Connect with us for the latest updates on union efforts at the Kearl Mine. Together, we can advocate for our rights and ensure a fair workplace for all.

Uniting Workers

Kearl Union is dedicated to providing information about unionizing the Kearl Mine site in Alberta.

Workers join unions to gain access to fairness, justice, and a collective voice in the workplace. Through contract bargaining, employees have a say in wages, benefits, and working conditions on a regular basis.

A collective agreement also gives unionized workers the legal right to file grievances regarding improper pay, health and safety concerns, the application of negotiated benefits, unjust treatment, or discipline. This structured process ensures that workplace problems and concerns cannot be ignored and must be addressed within specific timelines.

Without a union and a collective agreement, management holds sole discretion in determining what is fair and just in all aspects of employment, leaving workers without an effective means to challenge those decisions.

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Why Join A Union?

Protecting Pension and Retirement Savings

Ensure employer contributions to retirement plans are fair and consistent.
Safeguard accrued pension benefits from reductions or adverse changes.
Strengthen long-term financial security for you and your family.

Competitive Wages

Protect your current wage from unjust reductions.
Negotiate higher pay and structured, equitable wage increases.
Promote transparent compensation systems based on fairness and equity.

Cost-of-Living Protection

Secure wage adjustments that reflect inflation and rising living costs.
Advocate for cost-of-living increases to preserve purchasing power over time.

Comprehensive Health Benefits

Negotiate fair and sustainable medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Protect existing benefits from reduction.
Work toward improved coverage and manageable out-of-pocket costs.

Representation and Due Process

Professional representation in workplace disputes and grievance procedures.
Ensure fair treatment through established processes and contractual protections.
Provide members with knowledgeable support and advocacy.

Job Security

Protection from unjust discipline or termination.
Clear policies that ensure fairness and consistency in the workplace.
Elimination of favoritism through transparent standards and accountability.

FAQ

What Is a Union?

A union is a democratic organization of workers who unite to improve working conditions and quality of life.

Unions represent workers in negotiations with employers and ensure employees have a voice in wages, benefits, safety, and workplace conditions.

What Is Organizing?

Organizing is the process of workers coming together to form or join a union.

You have a legal right to union representation.
Freedom of association is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
You do not need your employer’s permission to unionize.

What Are the Benefits of Union Representation?

Unions help workers:

Improve wages
Strengthen job security
Provide sick leave, pensions, and income protection
Access medical, dental, and vision benefits
Improve workplace safety
Protect workplace rights
Address workplace concerns collectively
Provide representation in disputes
Promote fair and consistent workplace standards
Support a respectful and stable work environment

Who Oversees Labour Relations for Federally Regulated Workers?

The Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) manages labour relations for federally regulated workplaces, interprovincial industries, and specific sectors in Alberta under the Canada Labour Code.

The Alberta Labour Relations Board (ALRB) handles provincial, local, and most private-sector labour matters within Alberta under provincial legislation.

What Happens During Bargaining?

A bargaining committee made up of workers:

Gathers member priorities through surveys and meetings
Negotiates with the employer
Presents any agreement for member ratification by vote

Can the Union Force a Strike?

No.

Only members can authorize a strike through a secret ballot vote. Most collective agreements are reached through negotiation rather than strikes.