Alberta’s finance minister has indicated that the province may resort to implementing legislation to compel teachers to return to work if the ongoing strike persists when the legislature reconvenes later this month. Nate Horner highlighted a significant disparity between the demands put forth by the striking teachers’ union and the government’s budget allocation. The strike, impacting approximately 750,000 students across 2,500 schools, has entered its seventh day.
A recent contract proposal presented by the Alberta Teachers’ Association was discussed during a bargaining meeting, marking the first engagement since the walkout of 51,000 teachers on October 6. Horner, speaking with Corus Radio host Shaye Ganam, expressed that the union’s latest proposal was ambitious, requiring nearly $2 billion more in expenditure than what the government had allocated for a deal. He hinted at the possibility of introducing back-to-work legislation later in October to hasten the return of students to classrooms.
The government has set a spending limit of $2.6 billion for a contract spanning four years, with Horner emphasizing the need for a more practical approach in line with previous negotiations. The union’s proposal primarily focuses on salary increases and addressing issues related to classroom sizes. In response, union president Jason Schilling defended the proposal as a reasonable request, emphasizing the importance of addressing the challenges faced in classrooms.
Despite the government’s previous offer of a 12% pay raise over four years and a commitment to hiring 3,000 additional educators to address overcrowding, Horner stated that there is little room for further negotiation on salaries. The union has yet to provide a response to the minister’s statements, indicating that no future meeting dates have been scheduled as both parties assess their options. Horner expressed a desire to resume negotiations promptly, emphasizing the need for a practical and mutually beneficial solution. Schilling defended the union’s position, asserting that their proposals are grounded in the reality of the situation faced by teachers and students across the province.