Alberta labor board to hear NHL players union’s petition over lockout

Alberta, Canada (4E Sports) – The Alberta Labor Relations Board is scheduled to hear Friday the National Hockey League Players Association’s challenge against the league-imposed lockout to find out whether the work stoppage is against provincial law.

This developed as sources disclosed to ESPN.com that there are no formal CBA sessions scheduled this week.

The league has locked out its players Sunday after no new collective bargaining agreement was reached during previous negotiations.

In its petition, the NHLPA asserted that the lockout is unlawful under Alberta provincial law but the NHL believes that the complaint should be dismissed “on the basis that the Labor Relations Code does not apply.”

Among the complainants in the union’s petition are 21 players from the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames, including Jarome Iginla, Mike Cammalleri and Ryan Smyth.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly has confirmed his attendance during the hearing while Alex Dagg, Director of Operations for the NHLPA, will represent the union. Dagg appeared for the union when a similar appeal was heard before the Quebec Labor Relations Board Friday.

Last week, the QLRB turned down the union’s request for an injunction against the impending lockout, but deferred the hearing to be heard further at a later date but no future hearing has been scheduled yet.

Last Wednesday, the league canceled all preseason games through Sept. 30.

---

---