Alberta Teachers Strike Begins, Halting Classes for 700,000 Students

EDMONTON – A strike involving approximately 51,000 members of the Alberta Teachers Association commenced today, leading to the suspension of classes across the province. This labour action affects more than 700,000 students enrolled in over 2,500 public, separate, and francophone schools.

Most school boards, including those in major cities like Edmonton, Calgary, Fort McMurray, and Lethbridge, have informed families that classes will be paused unless a last-minute agreement is reached. The situation escalated after negotiations between the union and the provincial government stalled, with both sides appearing far apart late last week.

The Alberta Teachers Association rejected a government proposal last month that included a 12 percent pay raise over four years, along with a commitment to hire 3,000 additional teachers to tackle class size issues and to fund COVID-19 vaccinations. According to the association’s president, Jason Schilling, this hiring figure falls significantly short of the province’s needs. He emphasized that Alberta requires at least 5,000 more instructors to achieve a more balanced student-teacher ratio.

As the strike unfolds, the impact on families and students is expected to be significant. Parents have been advised to prepare for potential disruptions in their children’s education. Efforts for a resolution continue, with the union indicating that they have resumed “exploratory conversations” with the government.

In light of the ongoing negotiations, it remains imperative for both parties to engage constructively to avoid prolonged disruption. The situation reflects the broader challenges facing the education system in Alberta, where funding and staffing levels have become critical issues for educators and families alike.

This report was first published by The Canadian Press on October 6, 2025.