Parents in Alberta are feeling uneasy as talk grows about possible job action by the province’s teachers. Global News
Students across Alberta will soon return to school, but parents face uncertainty as teachers and the province remain locked in tense contract talks. With the possibility of strike action hanging over the new school year, families are preparing for disruptions.
Rebecca Sikkes, a mother of three, worries about how her kids may be affected. “My oldest is going into a new school, starting junior high, so he’s really excited,” she said. “You want your kids to have consistent learning throughout the school year, not have it interrupted … so it’s a bit concerning that way.”
Teachers Vote for Strike Mandate
In June, nearly 39,000 members of the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) voted on whether to authorize strike action. An overwhelming 94.5 per cent supported the mandate. That gave the union a 120-day window to call a strike if no agreement is reached.
Despite the mandate, negotiations continue. The ATA and the province have more meetings scheduled next week, with four full days of talks planned.
Teachers Push for Change
ATA president Jason Schilling said teachers want improvements in the classroom. “Teachers are looking at class size, they’re looking at the fact that they don’t have the resources that they need to meet their students’ needs,” he explained.
Schilling added that today’s students have increasingly complex needs, which places added pressure on teachers. He also pointed to salaries, noting that Alberta teachers have received only a six per cent pay increase in the past 12 years.
He said a raise that keeps pace with inflation would help retain teachers and attract new ones. “Teachers are willing to take a stand for their classrooms, for their students,” Schilling said. “I would hope that parents recognize that class sizes are growing and students’ needs aren’t being met.”
Parents Plan Ahead
Many parents say they understand why teachers are frustrated, but they also worry about how a strike will affect their kids.
Jaclyn Quinn, whose daughter is starting Grade 1, said she’s already making backup plans. “We’ll probably start doing stuff online at home, things to make sure that she doesn’t get behind,” she said.
Parents like Quinn and Sikkes agree they want teachers supported, but they also want to see classrooms remain open and stable throughout the year.
What Happens Next
For now, classrooms will open as scheduled, but the risk of disruption remains. The union and the province are expected to resume bargaining next week. Both sides hope to strike a deal before any job action is announced, though families across Alberta are bracing for possible changes.
