A new union representing Alberta sheriffs is looking to separate from the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) and become its own bargaining agent.
The Sheriff Branch Officers Association (SBOA) — representing 1,400 sheriffs across the province — launched on Thursday. The move away from AUPE came after several sheriffs felt their interests weren’t being represented to the fullest by AUPE.
Advocating for needs
Dornubari Tornwe, president of SBOA and an Edmonton-based sheriff, said the organization has been in the works for years. He said sheriffs comprise one per cent of AUPE and it’s sometimes difficult for them to press for issues they’re concerned about, like wages and mental health support.
“It’s about the bargaining. It was time for us to advocate for those needs to be looked after. We figured we’re better off trying to form our own association,” Tornwe said.
“We make up about per cent of the AUPE membership, which is insignificant. Our interest is minuscule.”
“We are very specialized professions that require specific needs, tailored needs, and those needs were not met.”
One of the biggest issues Tornwe mentioned was legal representation. According to Tornwe, sheriffs are only entitled to two hours of legal representation — the rest is paid out of pocket, which many cannot afford. When the issue was brought forward again to AUPE, Tornwe said the most they would offer was five hours of legal representation.
Tornwe said AUPE is still their bargaining agent and legal representative. He said the association hopes the province will look at their request and make an exemption to allow them to represent their own interests and bargain for themselves.
AUPE said it is not commenting on the issue.
Wages and mental health
The new union plans to advocate for better wages, saying sheriffs made significantly less than other officers despite having similar responsibilities. SBOA said it is also pushing for better mental health support, professional development opportunities, legal representation and improved working conditions.
“AUPE, when it comes to bargaining, they don’t really consider mental health programs,” Tornwe said.
“When you look at what we get to see… Sheriffs sit on cases 24-7, and they get to see everything. They hear everything, but that has a toll on their mental health, and yet, what is available to them currently does not even address it.”
Postmedia reached out to the Alberta government and will update this story if and when we receive a response.