As Alberta enters its second week of the new school year, the specter of a potential teachers’ strike still hangs over parents and students in grade school. Negotiations between the Alberta government and the teachers’ union hit an impasse last month, with both parties seemingly waiting for the other to take the first step. Adina Green, a mother of two, expressed the anxiety felt by families as they face uncertainty. The family, not enrolled in daycare or after-school care, is prepared to rely on retired relatives if a strike occurs, but they remain on standby. Green’s concern is the suddenness of a strike announcement without the required three days’ notice.
The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA), representing 51,000 teachers, received a strike mandate, while the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) confirmed a lock-out vote by school boards. Despite no recent discussions, both sides express willingness to return to the bargaining table. Finance Minister Nate Horner mentioned TEBA’s readiness to resume negotiations but called out the union for not engaging effectively. The proposed package includes a wage increase and hiring more teachers over four years, aiming to address workload and inflation concerns raised by the union.
The union emphasizes the need for wage adjustments to match inflation rates and acknowledge increased responsibilities. Teachers’ wages have only seen a modest increase over the past decade. The potential outcomes include a strike or lockout before the October 6 deadline for job action, with teachers not receiving strike pay if a deal is not reached. Although the union has an emergency fund, members have been informed that they will not receive funds from it. Horner indicated that a lockout would be a reactive measure to prevent disruptions for students and families.