CSU 52 creates $175K emergency fund for Edmonton’s Telus World of Science workers affected by flooding
Posted July 17, 2026 10:59 am.
Last Updated July 17, 2026 11:02 am.
The Civic Service Union 52 (CSU 52) has created a $175,000 emergency relief fund to support members temporarily laid off after flooding forced the closure of Edmonton’s Telus World of Science.
The union’s board of directors approved the fund following temporary layoff notices issued by the science centre, which announced it will remain closed until November after flooding on July 10.
“The flooding at the Telus World of Science was an unforeseen event that disrupted the normal operations of this much-loved facility,” said Bryce Jowett, President of CSU 52. “In these less-than-ideal circumstances, we feel it’s important that our union steps up to support our members through the financial setback of temporary layoffs.”
CSU 52 represents more than 8,000 workers across five Edmonton workplaces, including employees at the Telus World of Science, one of the union’s six bargaining units. The union says more than 180 CSU 52 members, both full-time and part-time employees, work at the science centre. About 145 of those workers are expected to be affected by the temporary layoffs.
Eligible members who have been temporarily laid off, or who experience an equivalent unpaid interruption of scheduled work as a direct result of the flooding, will receive a one-time emergency grant from the union.
Under the program, eligible part-time employees will receive $1,000, while eligible full-time employees will receive $1,800.
“Our members go above and beyond every day and in times of need, we want to be there for them,” said Jowett. “Nothing can replace the stability of ongoing employment, but emergency financial support can certainly help alleviate a challenging and unanticipated setback like this. For the sake of workers and the many visitors who love the facility, we hope the Telus World of Science can reopen as soon as is safely possible.”
CSU 52 says the grants will be paid directly to qualifying members to help offset the financial impact of the extended closure.
