Alberta Students Return to Class as Government Ends Teachers’ Strike

Students across Alberta returned to classrooms on October 25, 2023, after the provincial government invoked the notwithstanding clause to end a prolonged teachers’ strike that had begun on October 6. Approximately 750,000 students were affected during the weeks of disruption. While some families expressed relief at the resumption of classes, significant questions linger regarding the future of the school year.

The immediate concern for many is whether the school year will be extended to compensate for the lost instructional time. In a letter addressed to parents, Edmonton Public Schools confirmed that it will proceed with the scheduled fall break as part of the collective agreement. The district stated that it does not yet have clarity on any potential changes to the school calendar. “Our focus now is on a transition back to full-time learning and ensuring that student routines are re-established as quickly as possible,” the letter read.

Similarly, Edmonton Catholic Schools indicated it would also adhere to the planned fall break. The division acknowledged that it would explore all options regarding the school schedule and promised to communicate any updates to parents promptly. “Changing the school calendar at this time would affect staffing, transportation, and family plans already in place,” a statement from the division noted.

Nate Horner, Alberta’s Finance Minister, commented on the current situation, saying local discussions regarding work conditions can still take place, though the government has effectively removed the possibility of strikes or lockouts. “If there are positive things that are discussed at local tables and agreed upon, that will happen,” he said.

Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides expressed hope that a decision regarding the January provincial assessment tests (PAT) and diplomas could be made shortly. “We’re trying to get it done as quickly as possible, because we do have concerns that students have lost out on learning,” Nicolaides stated. He emphasized that the government is prepared to provide additional support to school boards as needed.

A significant legislative change has accompanied the end of the strike. Bill 2, known as the Back to School Act, passed all three readings in the early hours of October 24 and received royal assent the same day. This law enforces a four-year collective contract for the 51,000 teachers represented by the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA), shielding it from legal challenges due to the notwithstanding clause.

The bill also includes provisions that prevent teachers from participating in any form of strike action, including work-to-rule campaigns. Violators of the back-to-work order face penalties of up to $500 per day for individuals and $500,000 per day for organizations. The terms of the new contract introduce a 12 percent salary increase over four years, with market adjustments of up to 17 percent for certain teachers—a proposal that had previously been rejected by the teaching community. This contract runs retroactively from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2028.

During a press conference, ATA President Jason Schilling commented on how the new legislation affects teachers’ roles at schools. “Because the bill prohibits any kind of work-to-rule along with hefty fines, teachers need to evaluate how they’re spending their voluntary time at school,” Schilling remarked. He illustrated his point by mentioning that he might reconsider directing extracurricular activities, such as drama, in light of these new restrictions.

Teachers who had previously committed to coaching sports before the strike are expected to fulfill those obligations, according to an ATA spokesperson. However, any new commitments made after the strike that lack prior approval would not contravene the legislation. Teachers will still be required to perform essential duties, such as supervision.

As these developments unfold, the focus remains on ensuring a smooth transition back to normalcy for students and educators alike.