Alberta legislature braces for protests over labour code changes

Last Updated: Tuesday, June 3, 2008 | 12:20 PM ET

CBC News

Government officials are so concerned about the potential for strife over changes to Alberta's labour code that they have beefed up security at the legislature.

"We expect individuals to come and voice their displeasure with what we're doing," said Alberta Employment Minister Hector Goudreau Monday.

Goudreau said extra sheriffs have been brought in this week, but he would not provide any details.

"We're trying to minimize conflicts by just being more on the cautious side."

The changes announced to the labour code Monday are the first in 20 years. Among other things they will ban strikes by ambulance workers and prevent unions from subsidizing contract bids by unionized contractors competing with non-union firms.

The new legislation will also prevent union organizers from joining a non-union company to kick-start the process of unionizing the firm — a practice known as "salting."

'He's just trying to make us look like the bad guys in this case, when obviously it's the government that's wearing the black hat.'—Alberta Federation of Labour president, Gil McGowan

Alberta Federation of Labour president Gill McGowan said he's doubly incensed. First the government introduced the legislation, he said, then it suggested labour groups would resort to violence.

"He's just trying to make us look like the bad guys in this case when obviously it's the government that's wearing the black hat."

There is no need for politicians to fear for their safety, he said. But he also acknowledged workers will be upset by the legislation.

"From our perspective it's not only unconstitutional, it's illegal. And it's a slap in the face to all these hard-working Albertans."

McGowan said it's too early to say whether labour groups would plan mass demonstrations to fight the changes which, given the Tories' huge majority in the legislature, could be passed into law by the end of the week.