Alberta government looks to arbitration to recoup costs of illegal guards strike

CALGARY – The Alberta government says it intends to use arbitration to recoup losses from an illegal strike by prison guards.

Premier Alison Redford says the cost to taxpayers was $1.3 million a day and taxpayers should not be on the hook.

Solicitor General Jonathan Denis (rhymes with TENNIS) says thecollective bargaining agreement with the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees allows for a claim that will go before an arbitration board.

He says the government will insist that the union reimburse taxpayers.

Guards and a number of other provincial employees walked off the job Friday and were returning to work this morning.