Alberta Teachers Strike as 51,000 Seek Fair Wages and Conditions

EDMONTON — A provincewide strike involving approximately 51,000 teachers began on October 7, 2025, as educators across Alberta demand better wages and working conditions. The walkout, the largest in the province’s history, has left many teachers grappling with financial uncertainty and the challenge of making ends meet without regular pay.

Adrien Dominguez, a math and science teacher from High Prairie, was set to teach a class of 38 students this week. Instead, he finds himself at home, concerned about his financial obligations. “I know co-workers who lost dual incomes because they’re both teachers,” he noted. With the strike ongoing, some educators are considering returning to jobs in waitressing, bartending, or retail to supplement their income. Dominguez himself may need to revisit his skills in photography, marketing, and university tutoring to stay afloat.

Government’s Offer and Teacher Response

The strike follows a protracted standoff between the Alberta Teachers’ Association and the provincial government, primarily focused on wages and working conditions. The government’s latest proposal included a 12 percent wage increase over four years and a promise to hire 3,000 additional teachers to alleviate overcrowded classrooms. This offer was rejected by teachers in a vote.

Premier Danielle Smith has stated that the government’s proposal is fair and expressed a willingness to return to the bargaining table. The strike affects over 740,000 students across 2,500 public, separate, and francophone schools, significantly disrupting education in the province.

Union president Jason Schilling emphasized that teachers are aware they will not receive strike pay, although their health benefits will continue. “They didn’t take this decision lightly… and they’re willing to sacrifice some things,” he stated.

Personal Impact of the Strike

Many educators are feeling the pinch. John Varga, a teacher in Calgary, revealed that he and his wife, both educators, have resorted to selling old bicycles from their garage for extra cash. “It’s going to be a tight month,” he lamented. Varga teaches computer science, physics, and social studies but faces overwhelming challenges. In one class, he manages 40 students, each with varying learning disabilities, which complicates effective teaching.

For special education teacher Amy Bartlett, the situation is even more precarious. Based in Grande Prairie, she is considering selling animal skulls for display to generate additional income. However, securing child care for her two school-aged children complicates her job search. To exacerbate her financial situation, her husband is facing a layoff from his position in the oil industry next week. “I’m just going to open my arms to any opportunity,” she said. “I need to help pay my bills.”

Bartlett, who has been teaching for four years, expressed her passion for education but acknowledged the toll it takes. With all 21 of her students having mild to moderate learning disabilities, she finds it challenging to meet their needs, despite having three educational assistants in her classroom. “I love my job,” she said. “But at some points, I have walked in and said, ‘If I continue to do this, I’m going to crash.’”

She urged government officials to experience the realities of teaching. “If they actually put themselves in the shoes of a student who’s striving to become their best self, they’ll realize that something needs to change.”

The situation remains fluid as teachers stand firm in their demands for a fair contract while navigating the personal and financial consequences of their decision to strike.