Possible strike nears for Alberta teachers, union looks to garner support

It’s a sign of a possible labour disruption — the local teachers union was at Sue Higgins Park in Calgary handing out lawn signs Thursday, as a strike deadline looms with Alberta teachers.

Krista Semmens was out back-to-school shopping with her kids this week. But, what she’s hoping is not on the list is a disruption during the school year.

“My [child in grade 12], I would be worried about, because that would greatly impact as far as university,” she told CityNews.

And for parents of younger kids, the ramifications of a possible disruption could be even worse.

“I will leave my work, I would be stuck at home because my wife also has work and I don’t have a plan for the kids for school,” one Calgarian said.

Back in June, nearly 95 per cent of teachers who participated in a strike vote chose to walk off the job, with the union asking for better classroom sizes, resources and wages.

“We know that we are the least funded school jurisdiction in all of Canada and have been for many years,” said Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) president, Jason Schilling. “This chronic underfunding has led to the circumstances that we are in right now.”

The ATA would have to provide 72 hours notice if it plans on going on strike, with the deadline to go forward with the action being Oct. 7.

The union says the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association has applied to hold a lockout vote on Aug. 29.

“I have one going into high school and one that just graduated so starting a new school is scary,” said a Calgary parent. “So, if there’s a strike things will get pushed back and there’s not much I can do.”

In a statement to CityNews, the province says the Alberta Teachers’ Association and the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association will undergo formal mediation between Aug. 26 and 29.

“The government plays the ultimate role because it is the government who is the funder of education in our province,” said Alberta NDP education critic, Amanda Chapman.

VO:\\ For some parents, while they may need to navigate a disruption, they aren’t blaming teachers for it.

While some parents may need to navigate a disruption, they aren’t blaming teachers for it.

“I don’t think they get paid enough,” Semmens said.