Childcare providers prepping for potential Alberta teachers’ strike

Some childcare providers in Calgary are preparing to adjust their operations as the potential of a teachers’ strike or lockout looms ahead of the new school year.

Adventurers School Age Care in Calgary provides before and after-school care, but right now, they’re planning to offer full-day service if a labour disruption ensues.

“We will unfortunately have to shorten our days,” says Staci Wilson, Adventurers’ executive director.

That means starting later. Wilson says they will still look after kids if there is a strike, but parents in a pinch may still run into difficulties.

“We are in staffing crunches and spacing crunches, so if we do have space, the space has already been designated,” she says.

Teachers and the province are trying to work out a deal by Friday after mediated talks started Tuesday. But that doesn’t mean a strike is imminent.

“There’s always an opportunity to have more talks, but if mediation doesn’t go well,” says Jason Schilling, the President of the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA). “Then our provincial executive council, which is the governing body of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, will decide strategically what our next steps will be after that.”

Teachers voted 95 per cent in favour of strike action earlier this summer.

In a statement to CityNews, a spokesperson for the Finance Minister says “Alberta Education has provided contingency planning guidance to school boards,” with that information set to be shared publicly if a strike occurs.

The Calgary Board of Education, in a statement, said it’s planning for school to begin on schedule.