The Alberta government is stepping in to help mediate a labour dispute between the Edmonton Public Schools Division and its support staff after a strike notice was issued.
CUPE Local 3550, which represents approximately 3,200 support workers with Edmonton Public Schools, served notice of the potential job action for Thursday, Oct. 24.
In response, Matt Jones, the Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade, said the province is providing an additional mediator to give both sides a chance to reach a negotiated settlement before any disruption takes place.
However, the province said that since a Disputes Inquiry Board was established prior to the strike notice, neither a strike nor a lockout can occur until the inquiry process is completed.
Negotiations are allowed to continue during the inquiry. If a settlement isn’t reached, the board will make a recommendation to the Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade, who will then provide it to both sides. Each party will have 10 days to respond.
If one or both parties reject the recommendation, the Alberta Labour Relations Board will hold a vote with the party that did not accept it. Should the recommendation be rejected again, a strike or lockout could occur after 72 hours, unless further negotiations result in a deal.
