Coaldale lockout approaching two weeks

It's been 12 days since the Town of Coaldale locked out its employees. Despite the lockout approaching two weeks, workers say they're optimistic.

COALDALE, Alta. - Town of Coaldale employees remained set up outside Coaldale’s town hall Wednesday.

Following a year of negotiations, the town locked out its employees 12 days ago after they voted in favour of a strike.

Now, it’s almost two weeks later and the roughly 40 employees are still picketing.

“Spirits are high. The guys are good. We’re out here camping out as long as it takes -- and hopefully we get some resolution soon and get back to the table,” said AUPE vice-president, Curtis Jackson.

Benefit rollbacks

According to the union, the biggest sticking points are still benefit rollbacks seen in the town’s most recent offers.

They also claim the town is misleading residents about how much of a raise the employees would get.

“The negotiating team has kind of stated it’s the rollbacks that are the biggest concern amongst the members. Once you take contract language out of the contract, it’s impossible to get it back in,” said Jackson.

The union has also taken issue with four anti-union signs the town has purchased, calling it a waste of taxpayer money.

Town fires back

The town has fired back, saying it’s trying to provide residents with accurate information.

In a statement, Coaldale Mayor Jack Van Rijn said “because the lockout is directly tied to municipal operations, and because AUPE has been spreading misinformation to both its members and our residents, we felt it was important to use these tools to help keep the community properly informed.”

He also said each sign costs $200 a month and fit within the town’s communications budget.

The Town of Coaldale has remained resolute since its most recent offer to employees was rejected.

In an open letter to the community, council said, “Coaldale’s residents and businesses fund every municipal salary, wage and benefit. Council has a duty to protect those dollars and ensure services are delivered responsibly.”

The Town of Coaldale has started posting temporary jobs to fill gaps left by the locked-out employees.