Alberta’s finance minister has indicated that the province may introduce back-to-work legislation if teachers remain on strike when the legislature reconvenes later this month. Nate Horner highlighted a significant gap between the demands of the striking teachers’ union and the government’s budgetary constraints.
The provincewide strike, impacting approximately 750,000 students across 2,500 schools, entered its seventh day on Wednesday. A recent contract proposal put forth by the Alberta Teachers’ Association was the focal point of a bargaining session, marking the first meeting since the 51,000 teachers initiated the strike on October 6.
During an interview with Corus Radio host Shaye Ganam, Horner criticized the union’s latest proposal, stating that it would necessitate nearly $2 billion more in expenditure than what the government had earmarked for a settlement. He hinted at the likelihood of introducing back-to-work legislation when the legislative assembly reconvenes on October 27 to expedite the return of students to school.
Horner emphasized that the government’s spending limit for a contract stands at $2.6 billion over a four-year period. Expressing disappointment with the union’s demands, he underscored the need for a more realistic approach in line with previous negotiations.
The government’s previous offer, which included a 12% salary increase spread over four years and a commitment to hire 3,000 additional educators to address classroom overcrowding, was met with widespread rejection by teachers in a recent vote. Horner reiterated the government’s stance on salaries, describing their last proposal as equitable and comparable to agreements reached with other public sector unions.
The union, led by president Jason Schilling, defended its proposal as reasonable during a news conference. While the government remains firm on its position, the union is assessing its options in response to the minister’s statements.
Efforts to resume negotiations are underway, with Horner expressing the government’s readiness to return to the bargaining table promptly. The union stressed the need for a pragmatic solution rooted in the current realities faced by teachers and students across Alberta.
The ongoing dispute has left both parties at a standstill, with no future meeting dates scheduled as they contemplate their next steps in resolving the impasse.