Alberta government to introduce back-to-work law for striking teachers

The Alberta government is preparing to introduce emergency legislation that would end the province-wide teachers’ strike and require educators to return to their classrooms.

Premier Danielle Smith said the strike, which began on October 6, has disrupted students’ learning for too long and must be resolved through government action if no last-minute agreement is reached. The government’s plan would compel thousands of striking teachers to resume work immediately.

Negotiations between the province and the Alberta Teachers’ Association have stalled over wage increases and classroom conditions. The province’s most recent offer includes a 12 per cent pay raise spread over four years and a commitment to hire 3,000 additional teachers.

ATA president Jason Schilling said teachers feel their concerns about class sizes and working conditions are being ignored. He said forcing educators back to work without addressing their issues would be “disrespectful” to the profession and to the roughly 750,000 students they serve.

The proposed legislation is expected to be introduced later today in the Alberta legislature.