Two years ago, Edmonton transit workers filed for unionization.
Local 569 of the Amalgamated Transit Union filed the application on behalf 17 line controllers and train crew supervisors working on the Valley Line light rail transit system.
They are employed by TransEd O&M Partners General Partnership, a public-private partnership with the City of Edmonton responsible for designing and building stage one of the Valley Line, as well as operating and maintaining the line for 30 years.
All other Valley Line workers—except managers, supervisors, and those above the rank of manager or in office and clerical positions—belong to Division 310 of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference.
The Alberta Labour Relations Board held a certification vote for the line controllers and train crew supervisors. After a majority of those workers voted in favour of unionization in December 2024, the ALRB awarded them their certification.
Last month, the Mediation Services department of the Alberta government released their November 2025 Bargaining Update, which includes all the new collective bargaining agreements that they received in November.
Among them was the first agreement for these workers, which was settled last June.
Because it is a first agreement, I cannot compare it to past agreements, which I normally do, so I will highlight parts of the agreement I found notable.
The 2.5-year agreement is effective as of June 2025 and will expire at the end of next year.
Prior to certification, these workers made $30.60 an hour for a starting wage, which increased to $41 an hour if they had been with the employer for over 2 years. The collective agreement brings in 3 wages increases of 3% each.
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Probation | $31.52 | $32.50 | $33.40 |
| 6 months–1 year | $37.08 | $38.20 | $39.30 |
| 1–2 years | $40.17 | $41.40 | $42.60 |
| 2+ years | $42.23 | $43.50 | $44.80 |
Workers can also expect a $2 hourly premium for classroom training for LRV operators and similar classifications and for temporary roles outside their collective agreement.
There are also shift premiums.
| Evening | 13:59–19:29 | $1.10 per hour |
| Night | 19:29–23:59 | $1.25 per hour |
Overtime is 1.5 times the worker’s regular pay rate.
Up to 2 workers can be part of the negotiating committee when bargaining for a new collective agreement.
Bereavement leave is a maximum of 3 days with pay in the event of the death of a spouse, child or ward (including in-law), parent or guardian (including in-laws), grandchild, sibling (including in-law), or grandparent.
Here are some other leaves that these workers are eligible for.
| Leave of absence | Unpaid | 6 months |
| Sick leave | Paid | 2 days |
| Jury duty | Paid | 5 days |
| Court attendance | Paid | 5 days |
| Personal leave | Paid | 3 days |
Workers get 11 recognized stat holidays:
- New Year’s Day
- Family Day
- Good Friday
- Victoria Day
- Canada Day
- Civic holiday
- Labour Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Remembrance Day
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
Work on these stat holidays will be paid out at 1.5 times the regular pay rate. As well, if a stat holiday falls on a day during a worker’s scheduled vacation, they shall receive a lieu day to be used within 30 days or paid out.
Speaking of vacation, the length of a worker’s paid vacation time depends on how many years of continuous employment they have with the employer.
| Employment length | Vacation entitlement |
|---|---|
| 1–5 years | 10 working days (80 hours) |
| 5–10 years | 15 working days (120 hours) |
| 10+ years | 20 working days (160 hours) |
The employer will provide safety devices and protective equipment for workers when required. The workers will be responsible for caring for and maintaining these devices and equipment.
They will also give workers a pair of safety boots on 1 October every year and a pair of winter safety footwear every other year. However, they will allocate a maximum of $200 to each pair.
The employer will supply 2 pairs of prescription safety glasses—1 with clear lenses and 1 with tinted lenses—every 2 years for workers who need them. They will also cover the cost of supplying and servicing these glasses except in the case of loss or destruction due to negligence.
Finally, they will also provide train crew supervisors the following uniform items.
| Quantity | Frequency | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-sleeve shirt | 3 | Annual |
| Polo shirt | 2 | Annual |
| Pants | 3 | Annual |
| Tie & belt | 1 | Annual |
| Sweater | 2 | Annual |
| Weatherproof jacket | 1 | Biennial |
Workers who are injured during their shift but cannot complete their shift will be paid for the entire shift. The employer will cover any necessary medical transportation.
If a workers is on leave due to occupational illness or injury, they will not lose seniority.
At least 1 worker will sit on the Joint Health and Safety Committee, which will perform facility inspections, make recommendations to management regarding health and safety matters, and promote compliance with the health and safety section of the collective agreement and applicable legislation. Workers can choose an alternate for the committee, as well.
Workers who must attend medical, eye, of hearing examinations scheduled by the employer will be compensated for at least 4 hours at their regular pay rate.
The employer has agreed to cover the cost—up to $50—of any doctor’s notes they require from workers who have been on sick leave.
Life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment are all the equivalent to 1 year’s salary; although it reduces to 50% when a worker reaches 65 years old and ends when a worker turns 80 or retires, whichever comes first.
Short-term disability is paid out at 75% of the worker’s weekly salary to a maximum of 52 weeks. Coverage ends when a worker turns 70 or retires, whichever happens first.
Long-term disability is also paid out at 75% of the worker’s weekly salary. It expires at 65 years of age or retirement, whichever comes first.
Workers will receive an extended health plan, which includes the followint:
| Service | Coverage | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Prescriptions | 100% | Unlimited |
| Hospital accommodation | Semi-private room | |
| Hearing care | $500 | Biennial |
| Orthotics | $300 | Annual |
| Paramedical | $1000 per practitioner | Annual |
| Travel emergency services | 100% | $5 million lifetime |
| Basic dental | 100% | $2500 per year |
| Major dental | 40% | $200 per year |
| Orthodontics | 40% | $3000 lifetime* |
| Glasses, contact lenses | $300 | Biennial |
| Laser eye surgery | $300 | Biennial |
| Eye examinations | $110 | Biennial |
The employer will pay up to 4% of the worker’s earnings into a company-sponsored RRSP. Workers can request an additional amount—up to 4%—to be taken off their paycheque and deposited into the same RRSP.
If a worker must work or attend a company meeting outside Edmonton, the employer will either provide transportation or reimburse transportation costs.
Workers get 2 paid coffee breaks per shift and a paid 30-minute meal break.
