Tension builds between Edmonton city council and union; CSU 52 strike 1 day away – Edmonton [Video]

With a potential strike that would affect many City of Edmonton services just one day away, the back and forth continues between city council and the union.

The Civic Service Union (CSU 52) served strike notice Monday at 11 a.m. The union said the picket line will begin Thursday at 11 a.m.

CSU 52 represents about 6,000 technical, professional, administrative and clerical workers within the City of Edmonton and Edmonton Public Library, including police communications (911 operators), 311 support agents, city planners, safety code and building code officers, permit processors, recreation centre employees, animal welfare co-ordinators, tax assessors, librarians, pages and professional services.

The city said its negotiations with the union included 30 bargaining sessions and multiple mediation dates. The city’s first proposals were made in September 2022, said acting chief people officer Cyndil Taylor. At the end of January, CSU 52 held several emergency meetings with members as contract negotiations with the city stalled.

CSU 52 told Global News that Mayor Amarjeet Sohi met …