Alberta Teachers’ Strike Shatters Records, Enters Second Day

EDMONTON – The provincewide strike by Alberta teachers has entered its second day, marking a significant moment in the province’s labour history. With 51,000 members of the Alberta Teachers’ Association participating, this strike is now recognized as the largest labour walkout in Alberta’s history. According to Jason Foster, a labour relations professor at Athabasca University, the scale of this action is unprecedented.

The current strike impacts over 740,000 students across more than 2,500 public, separate, and francophone schools. The teachers have taken this step as they face ongoing disputes with the provincial government regarding wages and working conditions. The last teachers’ strike in Alberta occurred in 2002 and involved less than half the number of participants, with only 21,000 teachers walking out.

Background of the Dispute

The root of the conflict lies in negotiations over compensation and classroom conditions. The provincial government previously offered a wage increase of 12 percent over four years, along with a proposal to hire an additional 3,000 teachers to alleviate overcrowded classrooms. However, this proposal was rejected by the teachers, who are seeking more substantial improvements in both pay and working conditions.

The ongoing strike has not only disrupted education but also raised concerns among parents and community members about the long-term implications for students’ learning experiences. As negotiations remain stalled, both sides appear entrenched in their positions, making a swift resolution seem unlikely.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on October 7, 2025, and reflects the current state of affairs as Alberta teachers push for better conditions in a historic labor action.