Alberta Teachers Prepare for Potential Strike as School Year Approaches

As the new school year approaches, uncertainty looms in Alberta with the possibility of a teachers’ strike or lockout. Teachers across the province voted overwhelmingly in June, with nearly 95 percent of members of the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) supporting potential job action. They have until October 7, 2023, to initiate a strike. Meanwhile, the province’s Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association is set to vote at the end of this week on whether to lock out teachers, intensifying concerns among parents and educators alike.

The situation is particularly complex as charter schools, such as the Aurora Academic School, and homeschooling programs are not included in the bargaining agreement, meaning they will not be directly affected by a potential strike or lockout. Superintendent Ian Gray noted an increase in interest in charter schools over the past year, although many already face significant waitlists. For instance, Aurora currently has around 2,800 students on its waitlist.

“The public schools are also facing challenges, as they are currently short on space and at capacity,” Gray stated. He emphasized that while the immediate impact might not be felt in charter schools, the broader bargaining negotiations will influence teacher salaries and classroom conditions, ultimately affecting all educational institutions in Alberta.

Many parents are weighing their options. Parent Daniel Ho expressed his commitment to traditional public education, stating, “I think it’s the way to go for normal education.” Other parents, like Dave Delphond, are adopting a wait-and-see approach before making alternative plans for their children. “I reckon we’ll cross that bridge when we get closer to it,” Delphond remarked.

ATA President Jason Schilling stressed the connection between teachers’ working conditions and students’ learning experiences. He highlighted critical issues such as class sizes and resources available to teachers, claiming that these areas have suffered from underfunding in recent years. “Class sizes, having resources available to teachers to meet their students’ needs – that is something that has been sorely lacking,” Schilling stated.

As the school year begins next week, the ramifications of these negotiations will be closely monitored by parents, educators, and students alike. The outcome of the upcoming votes will significantly impact the educational landscape in Alberta, with the potential to shape the academic experiences of countless students.