You may have seen Alberta Labour Relations Board (ALRB) notices posted in your workplace recently.
We know that you and your exempt coworkers have questions, so we want to take this opportunity to update you.
Please share this message with your exempt coworkers. You can also post this communication, and any further communications regarding this matter on any Union board in your work area.
DETERMINATIONS BACKGROUND
Technically, CUPE 1505 is the certified bargaining agent for “all employees except library, and preventative social services personnel” and has been since 1973.
Over the years, the Employer (RMWB) has gradually transferred the duties and responsibilities of union positions out of the bargaining unit and into Exempt roles. This was done unilaterally and arbitrarily without consent from CUPE 1505.
On February 29, 2024, we served the Employer a list of positions – positions that rightfully fall within our ALRB certificate. This is the first step in the determinations process (the process of bringing Exempt roles back into the bargaining unit).
Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to come to an agreement with the Employer. That’s why, on June 16, 2024, we advised the Employer that we would file with the ALRB, so that a third party would make the decision regarding which roles would remain Exempt.
The notice you saw on the CUPE board represents our formal application that was filed on June 25, 2025.
ESCALATING CONCERNS
Since the Alternative Services Delivery Options (ASDO) process, which also began in February 2024, CUPE members and Exempt staff have expressed concerns surrounding job security.
Our collective agreement outlines a clear process that must be followed by the Employer (in the case of proposed layoffs, it means an opportunity for the Union to present alternative resolutions prior to contracting out the unionized workforce). Exempt positions, on the other hand, can be contracted out without any notice or consultation with the workers.
All workers deserve the same level of representation, protection and benefits – and this is what we are fighting for.
TRANSIT
The positions that were presented to the Employer include two positions in Transit. The positions in question are Dispatch and Inspectors, which were recently renamed “Operational Supervisors”.
On July 16, 2025, the Teamsters union filed an application for certification with the ALRB to form a bargaining unit of Transit “Operational Supervisors”.
We are formally opposing that application because we believe that Transit “Operational Supervisors”, are rightfully CUPE 1505 members.
From a logistical standpoint, it makes no labour relations sense to “carve out” a small section of individuals from an already established certification that is currently owned by CUPE 1505.
CUPE Local 1505 had the application for determinations of these positions in weeks before Teamsters’ application, and the name change to “Operational Supervisors” happened well after we advised the Employer that the matter was being directed to the ALRB. This appears to be another thinly- veiled attempt to have unionized work performed by Exempt personnel.
TOWN HALL – AUGUST 14
We are sorry that the Employer has not communicated this information with staff in a straightforward manner. Because Exempt staff are not yet part of our membership, we have no direct way to connect with them.
We understand that the roll-out of this process has been confusing so we invite everyone to reach out to us with your questions or concerns.
We are also hosting a Town Hall event in an effort to connect with as many Exempt staff as possible. Exempt staff can register here:
We will always do our best to be transparent, honest, and open with you. We’ll continue to keep you updated throughout the process, and we will keep pushing to make sure everyone who is entitled CUPE representation, gets CUPE representation.
In solidarity,
Your CUPE Local 1505 Executive
PS – please see the list of the positions presented to the Alberta Labour Relations Board.