Alberta's labour laws and regulations make it very difficult for unions to organize in the traditional way – encouraging workers to call for a vote giving the union the authority to deal with the employer on their behalf.

We prefer to use our time more productively, so we approach organization from the opposite direction.

These days, when Local 496 'organizes', we approach employers on a strictly business basis, showing them how it is in their best interests to form a partnership with workers who are more productive, safer and more highly skilled.

We show them how we save them a lot of money by providing our members with the very best training and by taking responsibility for recruiting and deploying the labour force they require, and reassigning that labour force when the job's done.

If you've been thinking of organizing a 'union drive' in your Alberta workplace, we suggest instead that you consider leaving your employer and joining Local 496. Or, contact us and ask us to approach your employer about working with our union.

That way, chances are much better that you'll get what you've been looking for – a whole lot quicker and with a lot less stress!