Empowering Families: Teacher Strike on the Horizon

Nearly 95% of Alberta teachers have voted in favor of a strike mandate, marking a dramatic escalation in ongoing contract negotiations between the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and the province. While this does not guarantee a strike, it authorizes job action within the next 120 days and has raised concerns among parents and school communities about what may lie ahead.

According to ATA President Jason Schilling, the vote “sends an unmistakable message” about the urgent need to address conditions in Alberta’s classrooms. "Teachers have been sounding the alarm about the growing complexity of student needs, oversized classrooms, and a lack of proper support," said Schilling. The vote, conducted between June 5–8, recorded support levels ranging from 94.5% to 99% across bargaining units.

The Core Issues Behind the Vote

The strike vote follows months of tense negotiations. Teachers say the current challenges in classrooms stem from long-standing underfunding, rising workloads, and inflation outpacing wages. A significant portion of the workforce reports burnout and frustration, particularly with classroom sizes that exceed recommended limits.

Additionally, the 2023–24 school year saw increases in classroom complexity, with more students requiring differentiated instruction and mental health support. Teachers argue that without investment in classroom aides, training, and capped class sizes, educational outcomes and teacher retention will continue to suffer.

Mediation resumed in mid-June 2025 and is scheduled to continue in late August. If no deal is reached, the ATA can serve 72 hours’ notice before initiating strike action. This means job action could realistically begin in early fall, potentially just weeks into the new school year.

What Parents Should Know

While schools are currently operating as normal, many families are beginning to prepare for potential disruptions.

If a strike occurs, it may involve rotating walkouts or full-scale school closures. Parents are encouraged to review school board contingency plans and begin exploring backup childcare or alternative learning options. School boards and the ATA have both expressed a desire to avoid classroom closures, but the current impasse suggests that planning ahead is wise.

Public support for education workers surged during the recent education assistant and support staff strikes in early 2025, especially as families witnessed firsthand how essential these roles are to maintaining inclusive and safe learning environments. Whether similar public sentiment will influence upcoming negotiations remains to be seen.