In the public sector, Canadian governments intervene frequently in labor disputes by suspending collective bargaining and
curtailing legal strikes. Previous research has focused on the contours of government intervention, such as its overall effects
on collective bargaining and strikes. The discussion highlights one actor, a government, restricting the behavior of another
actor, a union, using legislation and policy making. As a result, we know less about more micro-level elements and implications
of the process of government intervention. I address these themes using a detailed case study of the Alberta Teachers’ Association
and the strikes it coordinated in 2002.
Keywords Government intervention - Collective bargaining and strikes - Industrial relations