High level of concern among Coaldale’s business community over town’s labour dispute

Posted on October 30, 2025 by Sunny South News

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

The results of a recent survey by the Coaldale Chamber of Commerce, released Oct. 14, show a high degree of concern among the town’s business community regarding the ongoing labour dispute. 

The survey explored local perspectives on the collective bargaining dispute between the Town of Coaldale and the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE).

Results of the survey indicated a high level of concern among Coaldale’s business community with over 60 per cent of respondents saying they were somewhat to extremely concerned about the ongoing negotiations, while 77 per cent believe that above-market municipal wages could impact their business’s long-term sustainability.

The survey, that included 11 questions, was conducted in late September and gathered input from local business owners and operators regarding their level of concern, potential impacts on the private sector, and views on the town’s wage offers.

Some of those questions included how concerned businesses were about the current collective bargaining negotiations between the Town of Coaldale and AUPE, and how likely is it that increased municipal salaries will create upward pressure on wages in the private sector. They also asked if respondents knew of any employees who are considering applying for positions with the Town of Coaldale, how concerned they are that ongoing lockouts and job openings at the town may disrupt the local private labour market, and what advice would they, as a business owner, offer to Coaldale town council and/or administration regarding its approach to the current labour dispute with AUPE. 

A total of 31 respondents participated in the survey, offering both quantitative feedback and written comments. Survey participants represented a cross-section of Coaldale’s business community including retail, trades, professional services, and hospitality.

A large majority — 93 per cent of participants — believe that the town’s salary offers are higher than comparable positions in the private sector, and three-quarters expressed concern that rising municipal salaries could result in higher business or property taxes.

“The Chamber’s role is not to take sides but to ensure that the voice of local business is heard,” said Robert Woolf, president of the Coaldale Chamber of Commerce. “Our members recognize that fair compensation is important, but we also want to maintain a balance that keeps Coaldale competitive, sustainable, and attractive for both employers and employees.”

When asked about the broader economic implications, over 75 per cent said its either likely or very likely that increased municipal salaries will place upward pressure on private-sector wages, and one-third warned that higher taxes would cause a moderate to significant strain on their business operations.

The survey results noted that despite the challenges, the business community remains engaged and eager to contribute to constructive dialogue. More than 93 per cent of respondents supported the chamber using survey feedback to represent business concerns during municipal labour negotiations.

Woolf added that the chamber’s goal is to promote collaboration and transparency.

“We encourage both the Town and AUPE to find solutions that protect vital public services without creating unintended burdens on small businesses or taxpayers,” said Woolf. 

The full results of the survey, including comments, can be found on the Coaldale Chamber website at coaldalechamber.com/press-release.