Alberta Government Considers Back-to-Work Order for Teachers

The Alberta government is moving toward implementing a back-to-work order for teachers amid ongoing strike actions. Premier Danielle Smith and her team are discussing this option as a last resort, with pressure mounting to find a resolution before the legislature reconvenes on October 27, 2023.

Discussions are taking place behind closed doors, as the Smith administration aims to ensure that students return to the classroom. Joseph Schow, who plays a key role in the legislative strategy, emphasized the government’s commitment to education. “I think everyone would agree kids belong in the classroom. As a government, we understand that,” Schow stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The government has indicated that if an agreement with the teachers is not reached by the end of the month, they will take necessary steps to enforce a return to work. Schow noted, “We are going to take whatever steps are needed to make sure kids are in the classroom and getting the education they need to be successful going forward.” While he refrained from specifying a timeline for the introduction of a back-to-work law, the message from the Smith government is clear: the situation is critical.

The ongoing strike, which has seen teachers demanding better working conditions and compensation, has led to significant disruptions in education. The Smith administration believes that prolonging the strike will result in irreparable harm to students. “We are going to discuss all the means available to us,” Schow added, indicating that legislative action could be imminent.

At present, the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and the government are not engaged in negotiations, with both sides reportedly feeling further apart in their positions. The situation is tense, and the government anticipates strong opposition from the Alberta New Democratic Party (NDP) regarding any back-to-work legislation. Schow expressed confidence that the government would need to leverage various tools to push through any proposed measures swiftly.

As the clock ticks down to the legislature’s return, the focus remains on achieving a resolution that will prioritize student welfare. The forthcoming days will be critical in determining whether an agreement can be reached or if the government will have to resort to legislative measures to ensure teachers return to their classrooms.