Similar to a mediator, a disputes inquiry board is a neutral third party that aims to work with both sides to come to an agreement when one can’t be reached through bargaining
The Alberta government’s recent use of a rarely used measure to intervene in labour disputes is a sign of what’s to come, says a labour policy professor.
Athabasca University professor Jason Foster, who specializes in labour history and policy, says it would amount to little more than a strike delay and a concerning level of government intervention in the bargaining process.
Similar to a mediator, a disputes inquiry board is a neutral third party that aims to work with both sides to come to an agreement when one can’t be reached through bargaining.
The government’s call for CUPE Local 3550 and the school division to work with the board means workers can’t go on strike for at least 30 days.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 23, 2024.