What is going on with the UCP? Separate question. What is going on with Recalls?

My take on the Alberta politics. Wow.

Check out this episode!

The spectacular uniform.

Lets talk about the uniform clauses.

Check out this episode!

December 2025 No Quorum. :(

We will have elections starting in the new year. If you have your meetings in you will be eligible. With the upcoming meeting being a bargaining year, it will be a big election I am sure of it.

Check out this episode!

Come to the Open House

Dec 5, 2025. 4pm - 8pm. Should be a great time.

Online meetnigs are still not on the table. Not sure it will happen in 2026. 

Call the hall and let them know you want online meetings.

Check out this episode!

HSA Claim using Health and Dental Premiums. Update.

Go to www.cityworker.ca if you are interested in seeing the video that matches with this episode. Claiming your HSA is easy and many don't know how to even do it. With the welness account coming figuring out how much you want to place in either account is important in maximizing your benefits with the employer.

It has been a while since the last video on this. Many have picked up how to do this and I am very happy to see people getting what they can out of their benefits. The app doesn't work just yet, but the website is checked and verified.

Search HSA H&DP WA 2025 on youtube to find the video.

Check out this episode!

Claiming your Health Spending Account 2025

This is my updated video on claiming your unused Health Spending Account (HSA) through our benefit provider. It is simple and easy, and it shows what the theory of maximizing your Wellness Account claims if you push it over to the HSA. Do this claim every year and you can get money using your own premiums paid for the program. It is worth it and I encourage you to follow the video. Enjoy!
 

COVID Shot Confirmed Covered by Greenshield

I got my shot, and not even out of pocket. $119.89 at Costco. If you want it, you can know it was covered by a member with level 2 extended health coverage. Shame on the UCP for not covering it, but the employer has stepped up to the plate and covered it through the metrics availiable. Greenshield will pay for it without you even paying out of pocket. It's not 100% so be prepared for a small fee. 

Check out this episode!

What is a General Strike. Why should you care.

What happens when a government decides to stream roll through bad bills? You get a bunch of people talking recall and Gernal Strikes. What does that mean. In order for a general strike to even mean anything a bunch more industry and people have to get on board. Do we have it at this point? I don't know, but I am not sure we do. We need to get there and the UCP might be what we need to push it to a go level.

Check out this episode!

COVID Shot Covered by Greenshield Level 2.

Only if you want it. Dependents welcome as well. It is unclear if you will have to get a perscription, but my information is that if you have level 2 coverage you will be able to get the covid booster or shot covered for resonable and customary charges. This is just another area that your benefits are making it easier to get the things the UCP won't cover.

Changes to your MEBAC Benefit Plan in 2026  You told us you wanted more flexibility in your wellness options, and we listened! The City and the Municipal Employees Benefit Association of Calgary (MEBAC) and are excited to share some significant updates to your benefit plan coming in 2026 and 2027. Changes were made to the Extended Health Care (EHC) Level 2, Dental Level 2 and 3, and effective January 1, 2026, we’re introducing a new, more flexible wellness account benefit.  These changes come at an important time, as MEBAC members will have the opportunity to review and adjust their benefit levels during the enrolment window from November 17 to December 7. Highlights of Benefit Changes Effective January 1, 2026 Over the years, employees have told us that wellness looks different for everyone. Some of you told us that services you needed for wellness weren’t covered; others said they wanted more flexibility in where and how you exercised. We listened. Up until now, you have had a $300 Health Spending Account (HSA) and could also apply for $200-$250 credit towards annual memberships at partner or City facilities through the Active Living Program. While these programs certainly provided value, they had limits as two separate accounts. Starting January 1, 2026, we’re combining these into one streamlined, more impactful benefit: a $900 Wellness Account. This is an improved version of what you already had, designed to give you greater flexibility. You will now be able to choose how to allocate your funds between a: • Health Spending Account (HSA): This is non-taxable, covering medical/dental costs not included in your regular plan. • Personal Wellness Account: This is taxable, covering wellness related expenses. For more details on what qualifies under your Personal Wellness Account and how to allocate the $900, click here. Important: you must decide how to split the funds in your wellness account by December 7, 2025 or the full amount will become part of your Health Spending Account. Please refer to frequently asked questions on the new wellness account here.  Extended Health Care - Level 2 Updates • Custom made foot orthotics -The annual maximum has doubled, increasing from $200 to $400 per person per calendar year. • Hearing aids (Audio) - Coverage has increased from $600 to $1,500 per person every five years. In addition, cochlear implants are now included under audio benefits. • Medical items - Includes a coverage limit of $130 every 12 months. Cold Therapy Machines, often used to reduce inflammation, are now eligible. Dental Benefits - Level 2 and 3 Updates • Medical mouth guards (bruxism appliances) are now included under Major Services and subject to co-insurance and annual maximums. Highlights of Benefit Changes Effective January 1, 2027  Starting in 2027, employees can also look forward to improved vision and dental coverage. Extended Health Care - Vision Coverage • The vision care maximum will increase from $400 to $500 per person. • Coverage remains every 24 consecutive months, or every 12 months for children aged 13 and under. Dental - Annual Maximums • Level 2 Basic and Major Services combined maximum will increase from $1,500 to $1,750 per person, per calendar year. • Level 3 Basic and Major Services combined maximum will increase from $1,750 to $2,000 per person, per calendar year. The City and MEBAC negotiate benefit agreements for City employees. “MEBAC is an important advocate for employee benefits,” says Mike Mahar, President of MEBAC. I’m proud of what we collectively accomplished to bring meaningful improvements to members over the next few years.” Chris Arthurs, General Manager of People, Innovation and Collaboration Services said, “These improvements are about getting the right benefits to support the health and wellbeing of our people. Working with MEBAC ensures that employees’ voices are heard, and together we continue to modernize our benefits plan to reflect their evolving needs.” We hope you agree that these changes reflect The City’s ongoing commitment to provide a modern, flexible, and inclusive benefits plan that supports you, and if applicable, your family’s needs. Robust benefit plans are an important way to support your physical and mental wellbeing. More information will be found in the Benefit Enrolment Brochure which will be emailed to you on November 17. Please review these so you can decide whether you will change your benefit level for 2026 and allocate funds within your wellness account. Changes may only be made during the enrolment window from November 17 to December 7, 2025. [Side panel] Did you know? Effective October 20, 2025, COVID vaccinations will be covered under our benefit plan’s “serums, vaccines and toxoids.”  Our plan will pay 90% up to a maximum of $250 per calendar year for those who selected Level 2 Extended Health Care. For employees in Level 1, the expense for a COVID vaccination can be submitted to their Health Spending Account. 

Check out this episode!

2025 CUPE Convention - Toronto - Thursday October 10, 2025 Final Day - My thoughts.

The final day of Convention. My thoughts. 

Check out this episode!

2025 CUPE Convention - Toronto - Thursday October 9, 2025

Lots of business was done, and lots of emotions were had. CUPE convention was a great experience even from my desk in Alberta as I watched it online. 

Check out this episode!

Mark and Candice Elected Again. One General Resultion on BDS turns into a hour of passion.

If you have ever wanted to watch CUPE today would have been the day to do so. Congrats to Mark, and Candice they won their seats for another two years. A general resolution at the end of the day nearly broke the convention. At the very least it shows that trauma over resolutions are real and need to be managed properly.

Check out this episode!

2025 CUPE Convention - Toronto - Tuesday October 7, 2025

Challenge the chair!!! Happened again. Overall a great day of convention business.

Check out this episode!

2025 CUPE Convention - Toronto - Sunday Oct 6, 2025

Convention Floor Business Starts!!! 1 Constutional and 1 General Resolution were actually voted and passed at convention. Good start to a long week. Looks like Mark and Candice will be keeping their positions. No one is running against them.

Check out this episode!

2025 CUPE Convention - Toronto - Sunday Oct 5, 2025

Lets prep for the convention. Have you downloaded the app? Are you going to watch online. Check out the resolutions and look at the app for all your convention needs. I won't be there this year but I want to watch online. My views on the Constitutional Resolutions.

Check out this episode!

The Grievance Procedure L37 Clause 3.00

This episode covers the L37 grievance procedure. It isn't a solve every problem sort of process but it is offical and it is part of the agreement. Lets talk about the clause. Thanks for listening!

Check out this episode!

Supporting the Postal Workers and Teachers in a World of Back to Work Legislation

My comments on how the Alberta teacher strike and the postal strike is going to end if you're gonna support them listen to this.

Check out this episode!

MEBAC update, Christmas for the kids. Executive-at-Large election in October

Children Christmas Party will be a bit different this year. Our venue cancelled on us short notice.

MEBAC changes are coming. You have to declare some numbers for Health Spending Account and the new Wellness Account.

We have an Exec-at-Lrg position to be elected in October.

Check out this episode!

NSFW at Work

What sort of NSFW goes on at work? Are you doing it now? Should you be aware of it? I have examples.

Check out this episode!

Letter of Understanding 2 - Out of Schedule Rates of Pay

This episode is about out of scheudle rates of pay.

Check out this episode!

5 Not so Good Clauses

1.      4.07 – On-Call employee

2.      5.10 – Inability to Report

3.      5.17 – Overtime Distribution.

4.      Pay notes 2 and 4.

5.      Letter of Understanding 8.

I would open these up for bargain these in a heartbeat.

Check out this episode!

5 Good Clauses

1.      Section 3 Grievance Procedure

2.      5.02 – Standard Hours of Work

3.      5.18/5.20 – Overtime paid or banked at 2x wage.

4.      6.17 Bereavement Leave

5.      7.05 Vacation Entitlement

Check out this episode!

Collisions. The Fleet Operator's Handbook

What do you do when you have a collision. Listen and I will guide you.

Check out this episode!

54th AFL Constitutional Convention in Edmonton

Here is my report on the Convention, the election, and Chris Smalls. For Reference, Cori Longo ran without a rival, and Gil McGown beat Gregg Mady 60/40 split. I also speak about Chris Smalls and I included an echo track of his talk. Chris spoke to us about Amazon and the Labour Union he helped co-found. Whatever you think of him, it was important, and I think worth publicizing. I tried to increase the audio. Apologies but I do think it was worth playing. I sped up the entire episode (a tiny bit) if your wondering.

Check out this episode!

Diving into the Agreement - Vacation 7.03-08

We are talking about vacation. 7.03 - 7.08.

Employees don't really take a look at this clause. I wanted to take a moment and dive into it.

If there are any errors please correct me. I am always going to defer to the union leadership for their interpretation.

Enjoy.

Check out this episode!

April 2024 - No Quorum

Hey lets talk about CUPE Alberta, the CLC, the coming AFL convention, and Tarrifs.

Check out this episode!

Congrats and Thankyou's - March Meetings

I was successful in the election. I was elected to the position of Exec-At-Large which means I am on the executive. Looking forward to the join the team. Greg Mady joined us at the start of the March General Meeting. Convention is this week. Maybe the education workers have a deal? Lots of news. I talk about the AFL and CUPE AB

Check out this episode!

ASP. What is wrong with this program.

 Did a video podcast. Converted it to mp3. Here is the mp4.

To be clear I don't hate the ASP. I have an issue with what I am speaking to. Things I like... it identifies people who are unable or unwilling to disclose other areas like dependency issues.

L37 is moving forward. L38 is cooling off.

L37 is being offered 3%x3 over 3 years.

L38 is being offered 3%, 3%, 2%. They are asking for 4%, 3.5%, 3%.

Compounded from both the difference is about 1.59%. They are dealing with other issues that L37 are not concerned with, but L37 have got in writing some things they have been looking for going back many contracts.

My support for L38 and my desire to move forward with our proposed contract are important in my dedication. 1.59% may not be much but sometimes it is not entirely the monetary that keeps contracts from being signed. 

New episode out now.

CUPE Alberta President - Rory Gill

Today I speak to how CUPE Alberta is handling Bill 32. We speak about Jason Kenny, the UCP, attacks, and the NDP. This is my first ever interview style conversation on this podcast.

I got to speak to Rory Gill. President of CUPE Alberta. We go back aways when I was working on the Executive of CUPE Local 37 and when I was sitting in the CUPE Alberta Executive. Please enjoy and thanks for listening.

New episode out now.

The Executive Board of L37

Explains the order... are you interested in serving? Are you curious to how it works.

New episode out now.

Welcome to the Canadian Union Podcast for Employees

This is episode number 1. The intro. The start of something. Welcome to a Podcast geared towards CUPE Local 37 members.

New episode out now.

What is wrong with the ASP? A few of my observations.

This is an audio version of the youtube video on the same topic. The Attendance Suport Program is advertised as a great program that recently was able to reduce the amount of hours to get on the program from 50 a quarter to 36 hours. Why does this matter? It matters because innocent absenteeism is a fancy way of saying we can't get the stuff we want from the culpable system. This system will help us with other programs and hopefully get people to work. The problem is the system is always correcting. The better employees, the less time you can miss to be on the program. We are at a point in time where one week off is more time than is required to bring in a note from a doctor. In S/A land this is a non-culpable claim where the program starts without any suspicion there would be an issue. 

Not even thinking of the grieveances.

Check out this episode!

February 2025 - Gathering not a Meeting :(

Short of quorum. Was everyone buying valentines gifts? Some good things in this episode even though we didn't have a meeting. I talk about Local 829 and CUPE Alberta.

Check out this episode!

Ballots are in VOTE! 829 Goes under Admin... while bargaining...

We have an election. You have your ballots in the mail, and I encourage you to vote and mail it in. I and others running are counting on you! Feb 27 is the deadline for being at the box office. If you miss it, you can come to the hall to vote.

Also what is going on with Local 829? Medicine Hat News says they are under administration just prior to voting on a deal... very interesting since getting a deal to vote on is not a reason to be put under adminstration.

Check out this episode!

February 2025 - Let's Run for the Executive

Elections are happening. Vote for me. Please.

Check out this episode!

I am running for the Exec of CUPE L37

 Here is my poster.

What does this mean? You will get a ballot in the mail. Vote for who you feel should be on the executive. I will weigh in when I get my ballot.