The Alberta government is bracing for protests after introducing what critics are calling anti-union changes to the province’s labour code.
Employment Minister Hector Goudreau has confirmed that extra sheriffs have been brought to the legislature this week in case of any unruly demonstrations.

The legislation bans strikes and lockouts for ambulance workers and prevents unions from subsidizing contract bids by unionized contractors competing with non-union firms.

The changes will also prevent union-supporting workers from joining a non-union company to kick start the process of unionizing the firm, a practice known as salting.

The Alberta Federation of Labour opposes the changes as does the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees.

CHQR Newsroom, Tues Jun 3 2008