Some school divisions in Alberta, along with a labor expert, are expecting a bill to be introduced on Monday that will mandate the return of teachers to work and specify when classes should resume.
Christian Cook, a human resources professor at Mount Royal University, mentioned in an interview on Friday that the proposed back-to-work legislation could potentially require teachers to resume their duties within 24 to 48 hours, making any strike actions illegal.
The Alberta government plans to present the Back to School Act on Monday, aiming to resolve the lockout situation affecting 51,000 public, Catholic, and francophone teachers who initiated the strike on October 6. While the four largest school divisions in the province are uncertain about the exact resumption date, they have advised families not to send their children to school on Monday until the legislative process is completed.
Edmonton Catholic Schools anticipates that the upcoming legislation will provide clarity on the timeline for teachers to return to work, according to spokesperson Christine Meadows. However, details regarding the timing of when the Minister will introduce Bill 2 and initiate debates in the legislature were not disclosed by the government house leader’s office on Friday.
The order paper outlines motions that could expedite the bill’s approval within a single day of debate, despite opposition from the NDP. With the government holding a majority, there is a possibility that the bill could pass swiftly, possibly by Tuesday.
The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) president, Jason Schilling, expressed concerns that the back-to-work legislation might not address the fundamental issues leading to the strike, such as inadequate pay adjustments to match inflation rates and the need to improve working and learning conditions for teachers and students.
Schilling emphasized the necessity for legal provisions to ensure sufficient staffing levels to support the increasing number of students with diverse needs in Alberta schools. The ATA’s proposal includes advocating for student-teacher ratios to be implemented gradually over four years, with a focus on students requiring additional support.
Premier Danielle Smith suggested exploring alternatives like hiring more educational assistants to address classroom complexities rather than solely relying on legislative measures. The government could potentially engage teachers in negotiation, mediation, or binding arbitration to reach a resolution, with the possibility of restricting certain issues for discussion.
Critics have raised concerns about the potential infringement on workers’ collective bargaining rights by implementing back-to-work legislation. However, despite any legal challenges, teachers would be required to return to work while the case is being adjudicated.
Various stakeholders in the public sector labor unions are closely monitoring the situation, highlighting broader implications beyond the teaching profession.
Regarding the reopening of schools, both Edmonton and Calgary school boards are preparing to welcome students back upon the teachers’ return. Discussions are ongoing about how to make up for lost instructional time and the potential adjustments needed in the school calendar.
Parents and community members have expressed mixed feelings about the impending return to school, with some acknowledging relief but also voicing concerns about unresolved issues persisting in the education system. The challenges of large class sizes, inadequate teacher support, and the overall educational environment are key areas of contention that need to be addressed moving forward.
