The Alberta government is set to introduce legislation next week to address the ongoing teachers’ strike in the province, Premier Danielle Smith announced on Thursday. The proposed Bill 2, also known as the Back to School Act, aims to bring an end to the strike that has affected around 51,000 public, separate, and francophone school teachers and approximately 750,000 students since it began on October 6.
During a news conference, Premier Smith emphasized the importance of getting students back to school as a top priority. Despite efforts to reach an agreement with the teachers’ union, negotiations have not yielded significant progress, with key issues such as salaries, classroom sizes, and support for student complexities remaining unresolved.
The government’s offer of a 12% wage increase over four years and the hiring of 3,000 additional teachers to alleviate overcrowded classrooms was rejected by the teachers. With the fall legislative session commencing, the government is moving forward with the back-to-work legislation to address the prolonged strike.
Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi criticized the impending legislation, describing it as an attack on teachers, public education, and workers’ unions. The Alberta Teachers’ Association expressed anticipation regarding the legislation but emphasized the need to understand its implications for teachers and students.
Thousands of educators gathered at the Alberta Legislature grounds in downtown Edmonton to rally for better support for the public education system. While some teachers expressed concerns about returning to the same work environment, others indicated a willingness to comply with the legislation, albeit with reservations.
Finance Minister Nate Horner indicated the government’s goal to end the strike and urged unions to engage in negotiations promptly. The legislative process for Bill 2 involves multiple readings and approvals, with plans to expedite the bill’s passage on Monday.
Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides highlighted the potential for a quick return to school once the legislation is enacted, reassuring school boards of the government’s commitment to resolving the strike promptly. Students and educators expressed mixed feelings about the strike’s impact and the prospect of returning to classrooms amid ongoing uncertainties.
