As you may know, the Government of Alberta in 2020 passed legislation which creates restrictions on union activities. One of the changes included in the so-called Restoring Balance in Alberta's Workplaces Act (also known as Bill 32) and its associated regulations is the requirement of unions to determine the percentage of budgeted spending on activities the government has declared as being "core" or "non-core" activities, and prior to August 1, 2022 give all duespayers the option of opting in or out of funding "non-core" activities. This process must be repeated annually in future years as part of NASA's budgeting process.
NASA and other unions in Alberta view this legislation and the associated regulations as a needless and troubling interference in the democratic internal processes of unions and as a wasteful and time-consuming exercise which adds unnecessary cost and red tape for both NASA and the university. Legal advice we have received suggests significant portions of the legislation are likely unconstitutional, and it is probable the legislation will be challenged in court.
Despite our opposition to both the spirit and letter of the legislation, the NASA executive board has taken its responsibilities under the legislation seriously and has reviewed NASA's budgeted expenditures and has sought legal advice and detailed information about the activities of organizations we provide money to.
After considering all this information, NASA has determined that none of the regular dues collected will be spent on "non-core" activities as defined in the legislation. As a result, there is no election process required and as of August 1, 2022, the university will continue to deduct and remit dues in the same amounts as in the past.
If you have any questions, please contact NASA at nasa@nasaunion.ca.