Sign in Subscribe
Teachers

Alberta Government to Introduce Back-to-Work Legislation Amid Strike by Teachers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

More than 750,000 students in Alberta have been out of class for three weeks due to a strike by the Alberta Teachers' Association, following the breakdown of negotiations between the union and the provincial government. The key issue at stake is the demand for limits on class size and classroom complexity, which the government has rejected. Premier Danielle Smith has indicated that her government will introduce back-to-work legislation, forcing striking teachers to return to classrooms, and there are concerns that this may involve invoking the notwithstanding clause to override workers' rights.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Alberta Teachers' Association is demanding limits on class size and classroom complexity, which the government has rejected.
  • The government is expected to introduce back-to-work legislation to force striking teachers to return to classrooms.
  • About 90% of teachers rejected the government's previous offer, which included a 12% raise over four years and a commitment to hire 3,000 more teachers.
  • The union is expected to challenge the legislation in court, but teachers would be legally required to resume work in the meantime.
  • The Alberta Federation of Labour has warned of "unprecedented" mobilization if the government invokes the notwithstanding clause.
  • Premier Danielle Smith has implied that she may use the notwithstanding clause to override workers' rights.

Statistics:

  • More than 750,000 students have been out of class since October 6.
  • About 90% of teachers rejected the government's previous offer.
  • The government has proposed a 12% raise over four years and a commitment to hire 3,000 more teachers.
  • The Alberta Federation of Labour represents 350,000 Alberta workers across multiple industries.

Sources:

  • The Alberta government's website, announcing the introduction of back-to-work legislation.
  • The Alberta Teachers' Association's statement on Friday, rejecting the government's previous offer.
  • The Centre for Policy Studies at the University of Calgary, criticizing the government's refusal to negotiate with the union.
  • The Alberta Federation of Labour's statement, warning of "unprecedented" mobilization if the government invokes the notwithstanding clause.
  • The Globe and Mail article, detailing the negotiations between the union and the government.

Read more