Some Alberta school districts and a labor expert predict that a bill set to be introduced on Monday to mandate teachers’ return to work will specify the resumption of classes.
During a recent interview, Christian Cook, a human resources professor at Mount Royal University, mentioned that once the back-to-work legislation is enacted, teachers could be required to return to schools within 24 to 48 hours, making any strike action unlawful.
The Alberta government plans to present the Back to School Act on Monday through Finance Minister Nate Horner, aiming to end the lockout of approximately 51,000 public, Catholic, and francophone teachers who initiated a strike on October 6.
Although the province’s four major school divisions are uncertain about the class resumption date, they are advising families not to send their children to school on Monday until the legislature debates and passes the order.
Edmonton Catholic Schools anticipates that the legislation will outline the teachers’ return-to-work schedule, as stated by spokesperson Christine Meadows.
The government house leader’s office did not provide details on the timing of when Bill 2 would be tabled on Monday or when the debate in the legislature will be scheduled.
If expedited through legislative tools, the bill could potentially pass on Monday or Tuesday, according to Cook, who also highlighted that employers could impose fines or penalties on teachers or their association for non-compliance with the law.
Ordering teachers back to work would put an end to the employers’ lockout that began on October 9. Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) president Jason Schilling expressed that a law prohibiting job actions would also prevent teachers from working under certain conditions.
Schilling emphasized that addressing student-teacher ratios is crucial, as teachers are seeking fair compensation considering inflation and improvements in working and learning environments.
The ATA aims to establish a legal framework mandating sufficient staff to support the increasing number of students, a concept absent in Alberta compared to other provinces.
Premier Danielle Smith believes there are alternative solutions to classroom complexities, suggesting hiring more educational assistants. The government may facilitate negotiation, mediation, or binding arbitration to reach an agreement with teachers.
Despite criticisms over potential infringement on workers’ collective bargaining rights, teachers may have to report to work during any legal challenge to the law.
School boards in Edmonton and Calgary are preparing to welcome students back once teachers resume work, with discussions ongoing on compensating for lost instructional time and ensuring a smooth transition for students and staff.
Some parents express mixed feelings about the resumption of classes, citing concerns over unaddressed issues in the education system, such as overcrowded classrooms and inadequate support for teachers.