Thousands of teachers gathered outside the Alberta legislature on Thursday, October 23, 2025, to show their support for the ongoing strike and call for better working conditions. CTV
Tensions continue to rise in Alberta as the government prepares to table new back-to-work legislation that could send thousands of teachers back to classrooms as early as next week. The move comes after nearly three weeks of strikes that have kept schools closed since October 6, affecting about 750,000 students.
Teachers say the province has ignored key issues like overcrowded classrooms, low staffing levels, and stagnant wages. The government argues the strike has caused major disruptions and says urgent action is needed to protect students.
Rallies Across Alberta
Thousands of teachers filled the grounds outside Alberta’s legislature on Thursday, waving signs and chanting for fair negotiations. Many say they feel the government has dismissed their concerns.
Calgary teacher Madison Nagel said teachers must stay united. “We can’t go back to work without real change,” she said. “Doing that would erase everything we’ve fought for.”
Nagel said the strike is about more than pay. “This is about the future of our province,” she said. “If the government doesn’t fix this, they’re failing future generations.”
Teachers in Calgary and Edmonton also received strong support from students. A group of teens organized a student-led rally earlier in the week, calling for better classroom resources and smaller class sizes.
High school teacher Zandra Cerpa Gomez urged the government to listen. “Please hear us. We need more help in classrooms,” she said. “Don’t ignore our voices.”
Government Pushes for Fast Legislation
Premier Danielle Smith’s government plans to introduce the Back to School Act on Monday. Experts say the bill could pass quickly, possibly within days.
Christian Cook, a labour relations professor at Mount Royal University, said the bill might skip lengthy debate. “It could move through in record time,” she explained.
Cook said the legislation may override the province’s labour code, making the ongoing strike illegal. “Teachers could face suspensions or fines if they refuse to return,” she said.
The government says the strike has caused “irreparable harm” to students. Smith’s office has argued that the legislation is necessary to restore learning and end uncertainty for families.
Teachers’ Union Calls for Real Dialogue
Alberta Teachers’ Association president Jason Schilling said the union wants to keep negotiating but has received no response from the province. “We’ve been ready to meet every day,” he said. “We just want to talk about real solutions — like class sizes and supports for students.”
Schilling said teachers and parents have shown strong public support for better education. “People across Alberta care deeply about public schools,” he said. “The government needs to listen.”
Unions Warn of Wider Pushback
The Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) says unions across the province could unite if teachers are forced back without a deal. AFL president Gil McGowan said the government risks “a war on workers’ rights.”
McGowan said union leaders plan to meet this weekend to discuss coordinated action. “The next few days are critical,” he said. “We’re standing together.”
What’s Next for Alberta
Labour experts say this dispute could shape the future of workers’ rights in Alberta. With more than 51,000 teachers on strike, the outcome could influence other public-sector negotiations across Canada.
“This is one of Alberta’s largest job actions ever,” Cook said. “Everyone’s watching to see what happens next.”
