AUPE Vice-President Curtis Jackson says unionized employees at the Town of Coaldale will strike as of Sept. 6, 2025. (Photo: AUPE)

By David Opinko

Town of Coaldale employees to strike as of Saturday

Sep 4, 2025 | 8:48 AM

The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) says its members, who are employed by the Town of Coaldale, are preparing to hit the picket lines.

A lengthy battle of labour relations escalated on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, as the municipality issued a lockout notice to its unionized workforce.

AUPE has responded by issuing a strike notice, saying they will be on the streets as of 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6.

The union’s Vice-President, Curtis Jackson, says the Town’s representatives, including the mayor, council and negotiators, have made it clear that they are not interested in returning to the bargaining table.

“AUPE members working for the Town of Coaldale have put up with a lot during this round of bargaining,” says Jackson. “After months of poor treatment and ridiculous bargaining practices, it is unsurprising that their employer took this final step.”

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Jackson adds that, while a lockout is nearly identical to a strike, there is a key difference. He explains that unions will strike in order to gain leverage over their employer in contract talks, while a lockout is when the employer prevents its staff from going to work.

“AUPE members remain willing to return to the bargaining table,” says Jackson. “Town staff want a fair contract and they want to continue providing the services their neighbours depend on, but their employer has blocked both by locking them out.”

Learn more about the Town of Coaldale’s lockout notice and the details of their final contract offer that was rejected by AUPE in the article below.

READ MORE: Town of Coaldale issues 72-hour lockout notice to municipal employees