If something at work doesn’t feel right, you’re not alone. Members reach out to the union every day about workload concerns, short staffing, scheduling issues, missed breaks, etc. We also take reports of bullying, harassment, and discrimination seriously. If you’re dealing with any of these issues, let us know by filling in the form below so we can support you and work toward a safer, fairer workplace for everyone.
Workload Concerns
Managing workload is one of the most common challenges our members face. Too much work, unclear priorities, or insufficient staffing can create stress, impact safety, and make it hard to do your job effectively. If your workload feels unmanageable, the union can help raise the issue with management and advocate for fairer, safer working conditions. Review the
Addressing Workload Concerns – What Members Need to Know
What is Workload?
- The amount of work assigned to or expected of a position.
- In our collective agreement, we have Letter of Understanding #17 (pages 196-197) which confirms that workload concerns are valid, important, and must be addressed collaboratively.
How can CUPE 1883 support you?
- Advise what information to track.
- Support you in meetings.
- Provide advice and/or submit complaints/grievances on your behalf.
- Bring ongoing concerns to Union‑Management meetings as workload is a standing agenda item for monthly discussions.
1. Monitor Your Workload
- Track your tasks, deadlines, and hours worked.
- Note when workload starts to impact your well‑being, such as not being able to take breaks, not being able to end your day on time, or your ability to meet expectations.
2. Request a Meeting With Your Supervisor
- Identify the workload issues as early as possible.
- Provide specific examples of unmanageable workload.
- Send an email to your supervisor and clearly state your concerns.
- If your concerns are identified verbally, send a follow up email to your supervisor to capture the conversation.
- When asked for a formal workload review, your supervisor must:
- Meet with you upon request.
- Consider your current responsibilities when assigning new work.
- Respond to your feedback about workload impacts.
3. Inform the Union.
- After the initial meeting with your supervisor, send an email to info@cupe1883.ca with a summary of your concerns and your supervisor’s response.
- This information will be used to track workload trends and offer support if needed.
4. Participate in the Workload Review
- During the workload review, your supervisor will review assigned duties with your input. Outcomes may include:
- Adjusting deadlines, re‑prioritizing tasks, temporary overtime, redistributing tasks, additional training, workflow or process review etc.
- Note: Supervisors must document the results and share them with you. Once you receive these, share them with us by sending an email to info@cupe1883.ca.
5. Follow Up
- If the changes don’t resolve the issue, request another meeting. Continue documenting concerns and let the union as soon as possible so we can support.
Have a workplace problem?
Send us a message !
Use the form below to send CUPE Local 1883 a message and a member of the executive team will get back to you as soon as possible. We aim to respond within 48 hours, if this is an urgent matter, call President Noelle Fletcher at 519-504-1877.