Alberta Workers Mobilize for General Strike Amid Controversial Legislation

URGENT UPDATE: Workers across Alberta are organizing for a potential general strike following the provincial government’s controversial passage of Bill 2, which uses the notwithstanding clause to end a teacher’s strike that began on October 6, 2023. The Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) reports that this legislative move has ignited outrage within organized labour, prompting a significant response from workers statewide.

Teachers were striking for improved pay, enhanced per-student funding, and smaller class sizes, but were forced back into classrooms just one day after the bill’s passage. The AFL revealed that a recent survey of 30,000 workers showed 90 percent support for teachers, with 78 percent willing to back a general strike in response to the government’s actions.

Gil McGowan, AFL president, declared in a press conference, “We will use all the tools at our disposal to make Danielle Smith and the UCP pay the price for attacking teachers, public education, and our democratic rights.” He emphasized the federation’s readiness to mobilize around recall campaigns if necessary, stating, “If they won’t shrink the size of our classrooms, we’ll shrink the size of their caucus!”

The Alberta Teacher’s Association (ATA) is also preparing to legally challenge Bill 2, labeling it an assault on the collective bargaining rights of teachers and all workers. They assert their commitment to continue fighting for better classroom conditions, with public sentiment largely favoring their cause. An Angus Reid poll released on October 14 indicates that 58 percent of Albertans sympathize with teachers, and 84 percent believe class sizes are too large.

Support for Alberta’s educators extends beyond the province. The Canadian Labour Congress voiced its disappointment with Bill 2, as President Bea Bruske reported that unions across Canada unanimously agreed to oppose the legislation during an emergency meeting. “The UCP has launched an all-out assault on the Charter rights of Alberta’s workers,” Bruske stated on social media.

The Canadian Teacher’s Federation (CTF) has also reached out to Prime Minister Mark Carney to review the conditions under which provincial governments can invoke the notwithstanding clause, emphasizing the need to protect fundamental rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining for all Canadian workers.

As tensions rise, the AFL is prepared to launch a general strike if circumstances warrant. McGowan highlighted the unprecedented nature of the government’s actions, stating, “Danielle Smith has awakened a sleeping giant.” The mobilization of support from labor unions across Canada underscores the growing solidarity for Alberta teachers in their ongoing struggle for fair treatment.

As this situation develops, Alberta workers and educators alike are poised for significant action, with the potential for a general strike looming. The outcome of this conflict will likely have lasting implications for labor rights in Alberta and beyond.

Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.