Union proposes a new deal to end Coaldale lockout

Posted on October 9, 2025 by Sunny South News

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

Locked-out AUPE members with the Town of Coaldale are hoping to be back on the job soon, after presenting the town with a new proposal last week. 

Sunny South News reached out to the town for comment and received a reply early Monday morning, with Town of Coaldale Mayor Jack Van Rijn acknowledging the new proposal and the town’s next steps in the process.  

“The Town of Coaldale confirms that it has received a counteroffer from the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) regarding the ongoing labour dispute,” said Van Rijn. “The counteroffer will be added to the agenda for the regular council meeting scheduled for Monday, October 6, and will be discussed in closed session in accordance with the Municipal Government Act.”   

In a follow-up statement Monday morning AUPE Vice-President Curtis Jackson said they submitted their new proposal on Thursday (Oct. 2) and had not yet heard a response from the town, but remain hopeful for a resolution. 

“We are confident the new proposal reflects the needs of our members while respecting the employer’s last position and seeks to find a win-win,” said Jackson.  

The town’s unionized workers have been locked-out for four weeks, since Sept. 6, bringing collective bargaining to a halt. Jackson noted the impact the lockout is having on the Coaldale community, stating that 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,” said 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.”

About 43 permanent staff with the Town of Coaldale are AUPE members. 

With Alberta’s municipal election less than three weeks away on Oct. 20, it is incumbent on the town to resolve the lockout quickly, noted Jackson, 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 said. “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.”