Calgary company warns of closure if employees unionize

Last week, I published an article discussing the efforts of painters in Calgary to form a union. These workers are part of ProCoat Coatings Ltd., which offers coating services both in-shop and in the field across Calgary and Southern Alberta. They are seeking to affiliate with Local 177 of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades.

However, the recent applications report from the Alberta Labour Relations Board indicates that the company may be attempting to undermine these unionization efforts (a copy of the report is attached at the end of this article). The report outlines allegations made by the union asserting that the owner of the company has threatened to "shut down the business if it becomes unionized" and to terminate "all employees if they choose to exercise their rights under the code and opt to be represented by a union." In Alberta, workers need to demonstrate that 40% of their workplace supports unionization to proceed with forming a union. Since only 9 workers would be included in this bargaining unit, it suggests that at least 4 individuals have shown support for the union initiative. This also implies that they need just one additional employee to vote in favor of unionizing, assuming the ALRB grants approval for a certification vote. It's clear why the employer appears to be engaging in anti-union tactics.

On the 19th, the union submitted an application to formally address their allegations. Local 177 contends that the actions taken by the company breach multiple sections of the provincial Labour Relations Code:
- 148.1.a.i & 148.1.a.ii: No employer or employers' organization, nor any individual acting on their behalf, may interfere with the formation or administration of a trade union or the representation of employees by a trade union.

- 149.1.a.i:
No employer or employers' organization, nor any individual acting on their behalf, shall refuse to hire or retain any individual or discriminate against anyone regarding employment due to their membership or application for membership in a trade union.
- 149.1.c:
Employers and their representatives are prohibited from employing intimidation, threats of dismissal, or any other means to compel employees to refrain from becoming or cease being members, officers, or representatives of a trade union.
- 149.1.g.iii:
No employer or their representatives should discriminate against any individual concerning their employment or membership in a trade union, or intimidate, threaten dismissal, or otherwise coerce someone due to their application or complaint under this Act.
Alberta worker