This release was issued under a previous government.

Hospital nursing staff

Changes to Alberta’s labour relations legislation for public sector workers are being considered to ensure that our laws align with recent court decisions regarding the right to strike.

Currently, several pieces of Alberta’s labour relations legislation, including the Public Service Employee Relations Act, the Alberta Labour Relations Code and the Police Officers Collective Bargaining Act, forbid certain public sector workers from striking.

“The ability to strike is a fundamental right in Canada, so our legislation must reflect that. With that in mind, we still need to maintain the proper protections for Albertans who rely on a wide range of essential services. We want to hear from Albertans on how government can continue to provide essential services, while ensuring that public sector workers can exercise their rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.”

Lori Sigurdson, Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour (JSTL)

Government will be consulting directly with a variety of different public sector employers and unions to gain their insights as part of its overall plans to modernize Alberta’s labour relations legislation.

Albertans can learn more about the subject of essential services legislation on the JSTL website and provide their comments online. Deadline for submissions is Friday, October 30.

They can also provide their thoughts via email to [email protected], or send written submissions to:

Essential Services Survey
c/o Labour Relations Policy and Legislation
Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour
7th Floor, Labour Building
10808 – 99 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5K 0G5