Workers’ union announces post-election twist in Town of Coaldale labour dispute

Bargaining between the Town of Coaldale and its locked-out workers seems set to begin anew in the wake of this week’s municipal election.

According to the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE), the province’s Labour Relations Board ruled in its favour on a complaint claiming bad-faith bargaining.

At an AUPE convention in Edmonton, president Guy Smith said talks have been delayed for too long, and the board has ordered the town back to the table next week.

More than 40 employees have been locked out for seven weeks.

“The (Labour Relations Board) has forced the employer back to the bargaining table next week and has given them the instruction that they must negotiate fairly and with authority,” Smith said.

Earlier this month, town council decided to defer work on a contract proposal by the AUPE until after the election.

“We determined that it would be irresponsible for this council to bind the next one, as well as residents, to a multi-year collective agreement with AUPE,” Mayor Jack Van Rijn said in a written statement at the time.

The AUPE had hoped to avoid that scenario.

“This lockout has put immense pressure on the community and our members,” AUPE vice-president Curtis Jackson said in a written statement at the time.

“Our members just want to do their jobs and help their fellow Coaldale residents, but they also deserve a fair contract that reflects the essential work they do.”

Rijn was re-elected in the election, as were all six councillors.

Election results were made official on Friday.

CTV News asked the town for a response to the board’s ruling but had not heard back as of the time of this writing.