Shortly after the United Conservative Party was elected in April 2019, Bill 2: An Act to Make Alberta Open for Business was passed and made a number of changes to Alberta's labour and employment legislation, including the restoration of mandatory secret ballot votes for certification of trade unions.

Recently, the Government of Alberta released a survey seeking input on additional potential changes to Alberta's Employment Standards Act.

The Government is now seeking submissions from employers and employees on various topics under the Alberta Labour Relations Code, including:

  • certification statutory timelines;
  • reverse onus provisions;
  • union disciplinary powers;
  • early renewal of Collective Agreements;
  • strikes, lockouts and picketing;
  • powers of the Labour Relation Board and Arbitrators;
  • remedial certification;
  • consequences of prohibited union practices during certification;
  • first contract arbitration; and
  • construction labour relations.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.