Coaldale acknowledges latest offer from AUPE

By Lethbridge Herald on October 9, 2025.

Nathan Reiter
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Coaldale has acknowledged the latest offer from the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE). 

During the regular town council meeting on Monday, council voted unanimously to acknowledge the receipt of the new proposal from AUPE as well as agree that any change to the negotiation mandate should be addressed by a new council.

“We acknowledge receipt of AUPE’s latest proposal, but with advance polls opening, we determined that it would be irresponsible for this Council to bind the next one, as well as residents to a multi-year collective agreement with AUPE,” Town of Coaldale Mayor Jack Van Rijn said in a press release. 

“Since the very beginning of our term, we’ve made transparency with residents a priority. This decision reflects our commitment to that principle. 

“Out of respect for voters, we need to let the democratic process play out so a newly elected Council can look at this situation with fresh eyes and get up to speed on the file.”

In an interview with the Herald earlier this week, AUPE vice-president Curtis Jackson says he was hopeful that the lockout would end prior to the start of the municipal election.

“It’s absolutely important for this council to follow through on the business that they have with AUPE and to conclude it prior to an election.”

The Town of Coaldale and AUPE have been in a lockout stalemate since Sept. 6.