Town of Coaldale files unfair labour practice complaint with Alberta Labour Relations Board

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

While the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) has filed several unfair labour practice complaints affecting the Town of Coaldale in recent weeks, the town is now taking similar action and has filed its own unfair labour practice complaint with the Alberta Labour Relations Board. 

That complaint, received by the board on Oct. 10, alleges the union has violated several sections of the Labour Relations Code including sections 60(1)(a) and (b), 84(3),151(1)(f) and 154. It specifically alleges that between Sept. 10 and Oct. 7, members of the union and the applicable bargaining unit, “engaged in actions, including shouting profanities at the mayor and making physical contact with the mayor.”

It also notes several areas of conduct by the union directly impacting the lockout, and states that the conduct of the union and its members is a violation of sections 154 and 84(3) of the Code and the union’s statutory obligation to bargain in good faith and make every reasonable effort to conclude a collective agreement.  

“The conduct of the union and its members, was intended to intimidate, coerce and/or unduly influence the town and out of scope employees in an attempt to impact the town’s decision to legally lockout employees and that the use of profanities while yelling at specific town employees is unlawful conduct,” read the complaint. 

It also stated the union and its member’s conduct was to “induce a breach of the peace in respect of the town’s lockout.” 

The Town of Coaldale’s complaint also alleges the union paid property taxes for an employee, which it says “is in contravention of section 151(1)(f) of the Code.” In the posting, the ALRB states that any employees or groups of employees affected by the application may make representations on the matter by filing a written statement with the Alberta Labour Relations Board on or before Oct. 31, 2025.