The Town of Coaldale's unionized workforce has filed an unfair labour practice complaint against the municipality. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Town of Coaldale staff file unfair labour practice complaint

Oct 14, 2025 | 9:01 AM

Unionized workers at the Town of Coaldale are accusing the municipality of being unwilling to meet and continue labour negotiations in a timely manner.

At its regular meeting on Oct. 6, 2025, Coaldale Town Council reviewed the latest contract offer from the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE).

Members passed a motion stating that it acknowledges the receipt of the proposal, but since it is in the midst of the municipal election, it would defer a decision on the offer until the newly-appointed council has been established.

Mayor Jack Van Rijn said in a statement on Oct. 8, “We acknowledge receipt of AUPE’s latest proposal, but with advance polls opening on Thursday this week, we determined that it would be irresponsible for this council to bind the next one, as well as residents, to a multi-year collective agreement with AUPE. Since the very beginning of our term, we’ve made transparency with residents a priority. This decision reflects our commitment to that principle.”

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The decision by council has prompted AUPE to file an unfair labour practice against the Town of Coaldale, arguing that its bargaining committee has a duty to meet, to bargain in good faith, and to make every reasonable effort to reach a collective agreement.

AUPE Legal Counsel Pat Nugent says the Town of Coaldale is not treating the labour situation with anywhere near the seriousness or urgency required by the Labour Relations Code, and claims that it is in breach of section 60.

“Despite attempts to continue negotiations, such as putting forward a reasonable bargaining proposal and offering opportunities to have open and productive discussions, the employer has dragged its feet and put 31 town staff members, their families and the community through unnecessary hardship for the past two months,” says Nugent.

The unionized employees have been locked out of their job sites by the town since Sept. 6, 2025.

The Town of Coaldale has offered to meet with AUPE on November 17 and 18, a little over 10 weeks since the beginning of the lockout.

LNN has reached out to the Town of Coaldale for comments.

READ MORE: Town of Coaldale employees rally after being locked out