Protest at Alberta legislature over provinces role in support staff labour dispute [Video]

Two days after the Alberta government mandated the Edmonton Public School Board and the union representing its support staff to work with a dispute inquiry board as their labour conflict continues, a protest took place to decry the move.

A large crowd of people, many carrying union signs or flags, could be seen at a demonstration outside the Alberta legislature late Thursday morning.

Until the province forced the two sides to work with a dispute inquiry board, a move made at the EPSB’s request, more than 3,000 educational support staff were set to strike on Thursday. As a result of the provincial government’s actions, workers will not be able to strike for at least 30 days now.

In a statement issued Wednesday night, the Canadian Union of Public Employees confirmed that CUPE Local 3550 members will take part in what it describes as a “political protest” on Thursday “in resistance to the provincial government’s low wage …