Coaldale Workers Face Potential Strike as Union Votes Today

BREAKING: Residents of Coaldale are on edge as the town’s municipal employees could soon be off the job. The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) is currently voting on a potential strike that could disrupt essential services, while the Town of Coaldale is set to vote today, September 2, 2023, on a lockout that would lawfully prevent unionized employees from working.

The urgency escalates as both votes could lead to significant work stoppages in the near future, with a mandatory 72-hour notice required before any action takes place. The stakes are high, and the community is anxiously awaiting the results.

Negotiations between AUPE and the town have been ongoing for nearly a year, but tensions have reached a boiling point after the union rejected what they labeled an “insultingly bad” final offer from the town. Kalen Hastings, the Town of Coaldale’s Chief Administrative Officer, insists the proposal was fair, boasting a wage increase of 17% over four years. However, he also revealed that the offer included some rollbacks, sparking ire among union members.

In a striking contrast, AUPE claims they have serious concerns regarding the town’s financial management. Union Vice-President Curtis Jackson highlights the disparity in pay between management and front-line workers. He revealed that out-of-scope employees earn an average of $122,221 annually, totaling nearly $3 million, while regular front-line workers make only about $54,095.

“The people of Coaldale deserve to know why management has so many highly paid out-of-scope staff while paying its front-line staff so little,” Jackson stated, questioning the town’s priorities as essential services hang in the balance.

As negotiations stall, the Town of Coaldale remains steadfast, arguing that every salary and benefit is funded by local residents and businesses. In an open letter, the town emphasized its responsibility to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, insisting that the union has overlooked the private sector’s role in funding public-sector wages.

The potential implications for residents are profound. If either the strike or lockout vote passes, community services could be severely impacted, leaving many to wonder how essential services will be maintained.

To address these concerns, AUPE is hosting a community information event on Friday, September 5, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. near the Coaldale Sportplex, located at the intersection of 20 Avenue and 13 Street. This event aims to inform residents about the ongoing negotiations and rally support for the union’s demands.

As the situation unfolds, Coaldale residents are urged to stay informed about the outcomes of today’s votes. The implications of these decisions could reshape the town’s workforce and the delivery of essential services.

Next steps: Keep an eye on updates regarding the voting results and potential plans for further action from both the town and the union. The community’s response will be critical in shaping the future of municipal services in Coaldale.