The Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 3550, which represents roughly 3,200 employees, served notice for strike action to begin on Thursday, Oct. 24. Because the Disputes Inquiry Board was established before strike or lockout action began, the union local cannot strike and the employers cannot lock out employees until the inquiry process concludes.
Negotiations between the two parties can occur even while the Disputes Inquiry Board is in place.
"Alberta's government is providing another mediator to the parties in this dispute so that there is a full opportunity for the parties to reach a negotiated settlement before a work disruption occurs."
Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade
If a settlement cannot be reached in the dispute, the board will make a recommendation for settlement to the Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade. The recommendation will then be forwarded to both parties, which will have 10 days to notify the minister of their acceptance of the recommendation. If the parties accept the recommendation, it will form part of a new collective agreement and the dispute will be settled.
If one or both parties to a dispute does not accept the recommendation, the Alberta Labour Relations Board conducts a vote of the party that did not accept it.
If the recommendation is rejected again, the parties can continue negotiations to reach a settlement or a strike or lockout action may commence after 72 hours.
