Should Union Members Choose How Their Dues Fund Political Activities?

Official title: Labour union dues and financial disclosure engagement

Closed Regulations & Permits Economy & Jobs Justice & Rights
Alberta gathered input on new rules requiring unions to share financial statements with members. The bigger change? Dues payers can now opt out of funding political activities, charities, or causes they don't support. Regulations have been finalized and are now in effect.

Why This Matters

Are you a union member in Alberta? This affects your paycheque. You now have the right to see where your dues go—and to opt out of funding political causes you disagree with. Whether you see this as worker empowerment or union weakening depends on your perspective.

What Could Change

The changes are already in effect. Unions must now provide annual financial statements to members. Dues payers can elect not to contribute to political activities, social causes, or charities. These rules apply under the Labour Relations Code and extend to public service, police, education, and post-secondary sectors.

Key Issues

  • How should unions disclose financial statements to their members?
  • How can dues payers opt out of funding political activities and social causes?
  • What processes should employers and unions follow to implement these changes?

How to Participate

  1. This consultation is now complete. Discussion guides were sent directly to unions, labour associations, and unionized employers to gather input.
  2. Learn more about the finalized rules for union dues election and financial statements.

What Happened

Regulations were developed based on stakeholder input and the related sections of the Restoring Balance in Alberta's Workplace Act have been proclaimed. The rules now apply under the Labour Relations Code, Public Service Employee Relations Act, Police Officers Collective Bargaining Act, Public Education Collective Bargaining Act, and Post-Secondary Learning Act.