Alberta Teachers Prepare to Strike, Creating Child-Care Concerns

Uncertainty is looming for parents in Calgary as the Alberta Teachers’ Association announced that over 51,000 teachers across the province may initiate a strike if negotiations with the provincial government do not yield results by October 6, 2023. The potential strike raises significant concerns for families regarding child-care arrangements as they brace for possible disruptions.

Both the Calgary Board of Education and the Calgary Catholic School Board have stated that classes will continue as normal for now. However, they are advising parents to prepare for the possibility of needing alternative child-care solutions should a strike occur.

The announcement was made by Jason Schilling, president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, who emphasized the urgency of the situation. Many parents, like Shauna McRae, are closely monitoring the negotiations. McRae, a mother of two, expressed her disappointment over the circumstances, highlighting the importance of adequate support for teachers amidst rising class sizes. “It feels like the parents are going to get kind of punished for this, with the Alberta government not really showing up,” she said, indicating her concerns about potentially needing to take time off work to care for her children.

The impact of a strike isn’t limited to parents; it extends to child-care providers as well. Barbie Navarette, a nanny for three elementary-aged children, voiced her worries about how a strike would affect her employment. With commitments to another job during the day, Navarette noted that finding alternative arrangements for the children she cares for could leave her without work. “It’s going to be hard because that means that somebody would probably have to go and take care of the kids or they’re probably going to send them to a camp,” she explained.

Advising Contingency Plans

As negotiations progress, families are encouraged to make contingency plans. Jason Foster, a labour relations professor at Athabasca University, suggested that the early announcement by the Alberta Teachers’ Association recognizes the challenges parents face. He anticipates that both parties will engage in strategic maneuvers as the deadline approaches, potentially prompting actions from the province to avert the strike.

Foster pointed out the complexity of the current negotiations, stating that they involve more than just labour relations. “They are talking about their ability as teachers to do their job that spills out beyond just labour relations and into issues of public policy,” he noted, reflecting on the more challenging issues at play compared to other public sector negotiations in Alberta this year.

Child-Care Solutions in Response

In response to the potential strike, several organizations in Calgary are stepping up to offer child-care options. The Altadore Gymnastic Club plans to open day camps for children aged five to twelve. Shannon Hilton, the executive director, shared that the club has the resources and personnel to facilitate these camps, emphasizing their readiness to adapt to the situation.

Similarly, the Calgary Humane Society is preparing to provide child-care services for students in grades one through nine. Nabila Badr, the humane education manager, expressed the organization’s commitment to assist families in need of child care while also promoting animal welfare. Information regarding registration will be made available on Eventbrite closer to the strike date.

As the deadline approaches, families in Calgary are left to navigate the uncertainty and prepare for potential changes to their daily routines. The outcome of the negotiations will not only affect teachers but also significantly impact parents, nannies, and the broader community.