A growing dispute between the Alberta government and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is intensifying amid ongoing school support staff strikes across the province.

Finance Minister Nate Horner and Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides issued a joint statement on Tuesday, accusing CUPE National of interfering in negotiations between union locals and school divisions. The controversy erupted after CUPE National removed the leadership of Local 829 in Medicine Hat just before signing a tentative agreement with the Medicine Hat School Division.

The Alberta government claims the move has created fear among education support workers, suggesting those still without a deal may be hesitant to vote on one due to concerns about union reprisal.

CUPE Alberta has pushed back against the government’s allegations, calling them “false and baseless.” The union says Local 829’s leadership had already been relieved of their duties before they entered negotiations, rendering the agreement they signed with the Medicine Hat School Division invalid. CUPE contends the board members were not removed due to their bargaining position, but rather due to internal governance issues.

Amidst the dispute, questions have been raised about whether similar action could be taken against CUPE locals elsewhere in Alberta, including Fort McMurray, where support staff remain in a protracted strike. CUPE spokesperson Lou Arab assured Harvard Media News that leaders of Locals 2545 and 2559 would not face removal or reprimand if they brought revised offers to their members for a vote.

The standoff comes as school support workers across Alberta continue to push for improved wages and working conditions, with no clear resolution in sight.