Alberta teachers strike creating ripple effects for Edmonton businesses, chamber says

The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce says the provincewide teachers strike is starting to take a toll on businesses as it enters its ninth school day.

Chamber president Doug Griffiths said while the organization remains neutral in the dispute, many employers are struggling with staff absences and reduced customer traffic. “It’s impacting everyone,” Griffiths told reporters Thursday, adding that many parents are staying home to care for children affected by school closures.

About 51,000 teachers represented by their union walked off the job on October 6, leaving roughly 740,000 students out of 2,500 schools across Alberta. The strike has centred on disagreements over wages, classroom supports and class sizes.

The provincial government has indicated it may consider back-to-work legislation if the walkout continues into the final week of October, when the legislature is sitting.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has also raised concerns, warning that small businesses are facing productivity losses and reduced sales. The group pointed to similar disruptions in Saskatchewan last year, where one-third of small firms reported negative impacts from job action.

Both sides met earlier this week for the first time since the strike began, but there has been no update on when negotiations will resume.