Cargill, COVID, and the failure of Alberta OHS policy
Two meat-packing plants in southern Alberta have given rise to nearly one in six of Alberta’s 3400 cases of COVID-19. Athabasca University's Bob Barnetson and Jason Foster examine what went wrong at the two meatpacking plants, what it tells us about the inadequacy of OHS policy in Alberta and how the incidents could have been avoided.
Rethinking Alberta’s essential services legislation
As we head into the 2019 Labour Day long weekend, Athabasca University labour relations professor Bob Barnetson looks at Alberta's essential services legislation and the likely impact of changes the UCP has promised.
Bill 2 grinds wages, complicates payroll, and impedes union drives
Despite the stated benefits of the UCP government's new labour legislation, Bill 2 will reduce workers' income, make payroll administration more complex for employers, and impede workers seeking to join a union.
'Not a cutting-edge, lead-the-country reform'
An overview of the changes proposed in Bill 17
Bill 17 would introduce the first substantive changes to Alberta's labour legislation in 30 years. Bob Barnetson looks at what the new rules would mean for Alberta workers.
The essentials of Alberta's new essential services bill
The provincial government has introduced Bill 4, which gives most public sector workers the right to strike for the first time in decades. Athabasca University labour relations professor Bob Barnetson looks at what impact the legislation could have on labour relations with the province's workers.
Bill 6 will right a long-standing wrong
The Alberta government's Bill 6, the Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act, has become the most contentious legislation of NDP government's short tenure. Athabasca University professor of labour relations Bob Barnetson looks at five of the main arguments against the bill.
Five ways Alberta can improve its regressive labour laws
Alberta’s regressive labour laws have played an important role in making Alberta the least unionized province in Canada. Athabasca University associate professor of labour relations Bob Barnetson outlines five potential changes that could ensure workers in the province can exercise their associational rights.
Ending Pay to Play
The Need for Political Finance Reform in Alberta
A ban on corporate and union donations is widely expected to be one of the new NDP government's first bills, but it is important that the government does not stop there, but rather works to systematically change Alberta's campaign finance rules to reform the provinces’s political culture in the public interest.
Unions critical to well-being of all Albertans
New study says strong correlation with better wages, improved workplace safety, and greater equality
A new study released this morning by the Parkland Institute recommends that the Alberta government should step back from its current moves to reduce unionization and restrict collective bargaining, as labour unions play an important role in improving wages, improving workplace safety, and reducing inequality across the province.
On the Job
Why Unions Matter in Alberta
By focusing on the impact of unions in the areas of wages, worker safety, and income inequality, this report documents the contributions of the labour movement to ensuring the well-being of all Albertans.