FAQ For Trust Employees

Council Home Page	Frequently Asked Questions For Trust Employees
Welcome to NASA Trust Employees Frequently Asked Questions A History of the Trust/Grant Funded Employee Issue NASA Membership Application Form Tentative Contract From the Archives Trust Topics Bulletin #4 (June) Trust Topics Bulletin #3 (March) Trust Topics Bulletin #2 (March) Trust Topics Bulletin #1 (February) WHAT'S NEW? THE NASA CONTRACT REP'S COUNCIL STEWARD'S CORNER ABOUT NASA UNION COMMITTEES AND REPORTS SOLIDARITY! SITE INDEX CONTACT US Last updated: 02/26/99	This page is an open letter circulated by NASA to all Trust Employees at the University of Alberta. We believe that all University employees are entitled to the right of representation and the right to counsel. The academic community has the protection of a union and the protection of a collective agreement. You deserve protection as well. Attached is a series of questions that reflect the issues that trust employees indicated to us were concerning them during conversations in the last few weeks. We have tried to answer them as succinctly as possible. Should you wish more explanation or have questions regarding issues that were not dealt with here, please call the NASA office at 439-3181. Our hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, see "A History and Overview of the Trust/Grant Funded Employee Issue". 1. What is NASA? The Non-Academic Staff Association is the largest single, all-inclusive bargaining unit of university support staff in Canada. There is no other bargaining unit/staff association like us. Our membership entails every single possible occupational group contained within one bargaining unit. We represent members employed in occupations ranging from trades to maintenance to clerical to nursing to teaching and technical work. Collectively, the members own this staff association. It's a union with a long tradition, services second to none and an important role to play in the future of the University of Alberta, post-secondary education in Alberta and in the future of job security and workplace interests of our membership. 2. I was unaware of NASA's intention to represent Trust Employees. How did this issue start? How did the Alberta Labour Relations Board come to its decision NASA placed the University on notice beginning in 1990 requesting specific information and details concerning trust employees at the Univerisity of Alberta. In 1991, 1992 and 1993, NASA tabled proposals at the negotiations table requesting that trust employees be integrated into the NASA collective agreement. In January, 1993, NASA made an application under Section 9 of the Public Service Employee Relations Act (PSERA) on behalf of approximately 500 trust/grant funded employees at the University of Alberta. On August 17, 1995, the University made a separate and different application to the LRB based upon the dismissal of 5 trust employees at the University, to determine the status of the five fired employees - Dorothy Payne, Esther Cheung, Danielle Forth-Bell, Marlene Welton and Veronica Clough. The LRB delivered that decision on December 13, 1996. The decision basically states that trust employees are employees of the University of Alberta, not of the respective trustholders and that NASA is now legally entitled to represent and advocate on behalf of trust employees. At this point in time, the University has decided that it will appeal the LRB Deborah Howes decision, seeking judicial review of the matter. It appears that the University will force NASA to continue with our 1993 determination application, in spite of their delay and in spite of a clear precedent. 3. Why weren't the trust employees informed about this issue? NASA has repeatedly requested complete information since 1985, including names and work addresses of the trust employees in order to supply them with information. Unfortunately, the University of Alberta would not provide this information. NASA has continued to raise awareness of the issue through our newsletter distributed to every member in every department on campus. 4. What rights do NASA members have that I don't have? NASA provides you with a collective voice in the workplace as well as representation, advocacy, advice and counsel at a very reasonable rate of dues. Members are provided with grievance representation, disability and pension information, training, counseling and representation regarding worksite issues. They are also protected by our collective agreement, which is a legally binding contract between NASA and the University of Alberta, covering such areas as wages, hours of work, overtime, job security, working conditions and benefits. Previously, trust employees were not covered under a collective agreement and had only the minimum Provincial Employment Standards Code coverage and no opportunity for fundamental representation. Furthermore, with union representation, the union has a legal responsibility to represent a trust employee in their worksite issues. 5. Is NASA serious about representing trust employees and how far will they take the issue? Yes. NASA has been representing the trust employees since 1985 despite the fact that no dues to date have been collected from trust employees because we believe that the trust employees are and always have been University employees. We have and are currently working with a number of trust employees who have filed grievances against the University of Alberta for unfair and inequitable treatment or other violations of the collective agreement. 6. Now that I'm paying union dues, how do I go about becoming a voting member of NASA? Even though we are not yet receiving any dues from trust employees, we will continue to provide membership. A short membership application form can be picked up at the NASA office or NASA staff can send one to you through campus mail or to your home, for more privacy. In addition to allowing you to vote at NASA General Meetings, your card entitles you to the use of the University Athletic Facilities and Health Services. 7. Now that I'm paying Union dues, can I run for office, join committees, etc.? NASA is directed by its members. You can become involved in NASA in a number of ways, depending on your worksite and level of interest. Attending and becoming involved in union meetings allows you to have a voice in the direction that NASA takes. As well, your union needs participants in every worksite, to represent all occupational groups and serve as volunteer representatives. 8. Will trustholders be forced to employ someone without the skills to handle the job? No. The employer (University of Alberta) sets the standards to which an individual is hired. The Union has no control over that management right. 9. Can someone with more seniority come and take my job? No, in fact there is no mention of "bumping" in NASA's present collective agreement in any way, shape or form. Only VACANT positions can be filled by the layoff/recall/seniority process. 10. Will I be allowed to take University paid courses in order to upgrade my skills? As a NASA member, you would immediately be able to take 3 full University credit courses in any one calendar year in any number of areas and have your instructional fee costs covered. A maximum of 1 course per academic session may be taken during your regular hours of work on the recommendation of the department head and on the mutual understanding that your job requirements will be fully met. You are also allowed $500 per year from Human Resources Development Fund resources, to pay the fees of non-credit courses to assist you in developing job related skills or improving your performance in your current position. 11. What would stop my trustholder from hiring someone else who is willing to work for a lower salary in exchange for a longer period of time? The Collective Agreement, as it presently stands, specifically protects individuals against this sort of practice. Without this, you have no protection. 12. If I am a NASA member, will I be forced to strike? As a NASA member, you would not legally be allowed to strike.

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Home Page

Frequently Asked Questions For Trust Employees

Welcome to NASA

Trust Employees Frequently Asked Questions

A History of the Trust/Grant Funded Employee Issue

NASA Membership Application Form

Tentative Contract

From the Archives

Trust Topics Bulletin #4 (June)

Trust Topics Bulletin #3 (March)

Trust Topics Bulletin #2 (March)

Trust Topics Bulletin #1 (February)

WHAT'S NEW?

THE NASA CONTRACT

REP'S COUNCIL

STEWARD'S CORNER

ABOUT NASA

UNION COMMITTEES AND REPORTS

SOLIDARITY!

SITE INDEX

CONTACT US

Last updated: 02/26/99

This page is an open letter circulated by NASA to all Trust Employees at the University of Alberta. We believe that all University employees are entitled to the right of representation and the right to counsel. The academic community has the protection of a union and the protection of a collective agreement. You deserve protection as well.

Attached is a series of questions that reflect the issues that trust employees indicated to us were concerning them during conversations in the last few weeks. We have tried to answer them as succinctly as possible. Should you wish more explanation or have questions regarding issues that were not dealt with here, please call the NASA office at 439-3181. Our hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, see "A History and Overview of the Trust/Grant Funded Employee Issue".

1. What is NASA?

The Non-Academic Staff Association is the largest single, all-inclusive bargaining unit of university support staff in Canada. There is no other bargaining unit/staff association like us. Our membership entails every single possible occupational group contained within one bargaining unit. We represent members employed in occupations ranging from trades to maintenance to clerical to nursing to teaching and technical work. Collectively, the members own this staff association. It's a union with a long tradition, services second to none and an important role to play in the future of the University of Alberta, post-secondary education in Alberta and in the future of job security and workplace interests of our membership.

2. I was unaware of NASA's intention to represent Trust Employees. How did this issue start? How did the Alberta Labour Relations Board come to its decision

NASA placed the University on notice beginning in 1990 requesting specific information and details concerning trust employees at the Univerisity of Alberta. In 1991, 1992 and 1993, NASA tabled proposals at the negotiations table requesting that trust employees be integrated into the NASA collective agreement. In January, 1993, NASA made an application under Section 9 of the Public Service Employee Relations Act (PSERA) on behalf of approximately 500 trust/grant funded employees at the University of Alberta. On August 17, 1995, the University made a separate and different application to the LRB based upon the dismissal of 5 trust employees at the University, to determine the status of the five fired employees - Dorothy Payne, Esther Cheung, Danielle Forth-Bell, Marlene Welton and Veronica Clough. The LRB delivered that decision on December 13, 1996. The decision basically states that trust employees are employees of the University of Alberta, not of the respective trustholders and that NASA is now legally entitled to represent and advocate on behalf of trust employees. At this point in time, the University has decided that it will appeal the LRB Deborah Howes decision, seeking judicial review of the matter. It appears that the University will force NASA to continue with our 1993 determination application, in spite of their delay and in spite of a clear precedent.

3. Why weren't the trust employees informed about this issue?

NASA has repeatedly requested complete information since 1985, including names and work addresses of the trust employees in order to supply them with information. Unfortunately, the University of Alberta would not provide this information. NASA has continued to raise awareness of the issue through our newsletter distributed to every member in every department on campus.

4. What rights do NASA members have that I don't have?

NASA provides you with a collective voice in the workplace as well as representation, advocacy, advice and counsel at a very reasonable rate of dues. Members are provided with grievance representation, disability and pension information, training, counseling and representation regarding worksite issues. They are also protected by our collective agreement, which is a legally binding contract between NASA and the University of Alberta, covering such areas as wages, hours of work, overtime, job security, working conditions and benefits. Previously, trust employees were not covered under a collective agreement and had only the minimum Provincial Employment Standards Code coverage and no opportunity for fundamental representation. Furthermore, with union representation, the union has a legal responsibility to represent a trust employee in their worksite issues.

5. Is NASA serious about representing trust employees and how far will they take the issue?

Yes. NASA has been representing the trust employees since 1985 despite the fact that no dues to date have been collected from trust employees because we believe that the trust employees are and always have been University employees. We have and are currently working with a number of trust employees who have filed grievances against the University of Alberta for unfair and inequitable treatment or other violations of the collective agreement.

6. Now that I'm paying union dues, how do I go about becoming a voting member of NASA?

Even though we are not yet receiving any dues from trust employees, we will continue to provide membership. A short membership application form can be picked up at the NASA office or NASA staff can send one to you through campus mail or to your home, for more privacy. In addition to allowing you to vote at NASA General Meetings, your card entitles you to the use of the University Athletic Facilities and Health Services.

7. Now that I'm paying Union dues, can I run for office, join committees, etc.?

NASA is directed by its members. You can become involved in NASA in a number of ways, depending on your worksite and level of interest. Attending and becoming involved in union meetings allows you to have a voice in the direction that NASA takes. As well, your union needs participants in every worksite, to represent all occupational groups and serve as volunteer representatives.

8. Will trustholders be forced to employ someone without the skills to handle the job?

No. The employer (University of Alberta) sets the standards to which an individual is hired. The Union has no control over that management right.

9. Can someone with more seniority come and take my job?

No, in fact there is no mention of "bumping" in NASA's present collective agreement in any way, shape or form. Only VACANT positions can be filled by the layoff/recall/seniority process.

10. Will I be allowed to take University paid courses in order to upgrade my skills?

As a NASA member, you would immediately be able to take 3 full University credit courses in any one calendar year in any number of areas and have your instructional fee costs covered. A maximum of 1 course per academic session may be taken during your regular hours of work on the recommendation of the department head and on the mutual understanding that your job requirements will be fully met. You are also allowed $500 per year from Human Resources Development Fund resources, to pay the fees of non-credit courses to assist you in developing job related skills or improving your performance in your current position.

11. What would stop my trustholder from hiring someone else who is willing to work for a lower salary in exchange for a longer period of time?

The Collective Agreement, as it presently stands, specifically protects individuals against this sort of practice. Without this, you have no protection.

12. If I am a NASA member, will I be forced to strike?

As a NASA member, you would not legally be allowed to strike.

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