AUPE Media Release: Union proposes a new deal to end Coaldale lockout

COALDALE—Members of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) who are locked out by their employer, the Town of Coaldale, have presented new proposals to the Town with the intention of resolving bargaining and ending the lockout.

The Town locked out its staff on Saturday, Sept. 6, grinding collective bargaining to a halt. Staff have bravely walked the picket line for nearly a month, unable to provide the services Coaldale residents depend on because of the lockout.

“This lockout has put immense pressure on the community and our members,” says AUPE Vice-President Curtis Jackson. “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.”

Alberta’s municipal general election is less than three weeks away, on Oct. 20, but Jackson says it is incumbent on the Town to resolve the lockout quickly instead of deferring the issue to the next term for mayor and council.

“Town of Coaldale staff want a fair contract and fair treatment,” he says. “We hope the Mayor and Council will move quickly to accept the Union’s proposal or counter with an offer that both parties can ratify and end the lock out.”

Approximately 43 permanent staff working for the Town of Coaldale are AUPE members. AUPE is western Canada’s largest union, standing over 100,000 members strong.

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Vice-President Jackson is available for interviews.

Please contact Alexander Delorme, Communications Officer: a.delorme@aupe.org or 780-904-0654