Alberta Teachers' Strike Looms: 700,000 Students Affected
Alberta's 51,000 teachers are set to strike next week, affecting over 700,000 students, after rejecting the government's contract 'offer up'. The Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) demands fair pay, support for students, and respect, but the government's 'offer up' fell short, according to the ATA.
The strike, set for Monday, Oct. 6, will close 2,500 public, separate, and francophone schools. In response, the government plans to provide parents with a do-it-yourself curriculum guide and $30 a day per child aged 12 and under.
The government's 'offer up' included a 12 per cent pay increase over four years and a promise to hire 3,000 more teachers. However, 89.5 per cent of union members voted to reject the deal. The ATA argues that the 'offer up' does not address overcrowded classrooms or make up for wage losses. Minister Nate Horner, also President of the Treasury Board, stated that they aim for a 'teachers pay teachers' deal, prioritizing Alberta families' interests.
No further talks are scheduled between the ATA and the government, leaving the province braced for a significant disruption to education.
With no immediate resolution in sight, Alberta's teachers and students face an uncertain future. The strike will proceed unless a 'teachers pay teachers' agreement is reached before the set deadline. Both sides must return to the negotiating table to prevent further disruption to the province's education system.
