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3w ago

Alberta Passes Back-to-Work Law Using Notwithstanding Clause to End Teachers’ Strike

Invoking the notwithstanding clause, the UCP imposed a rejected contract to end a three-week shutdown.

Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) President Jason Schilling outside the Alberta Legislature speaking about the not withstanding clause used to force Alberta teachers back to work on Monday, October 27, 2025.
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Official opposition leader Naheed Nenshi outside the Alberta Legislature speaking about the not withstanding clause used to force Alberta teachers back to work on Monday, October 27, 2025.
Alberta teachers and their supporters rallied in Calgary Monday morning, as they waited for the provincial government to table back to work legislation in an effort to end the 4 week old strike.

Overview

  • About 51,000 teachers are ordered back and most schools plan to reopen Wednesday, with boards warning of delayed extracurriculars and some making November diploma exams optional.
  • The Back to School Act imposes a four-year agreement with a 12% pay increase and commitments to hire 3,000 teachers and 1,500 educational assistants, expiring in 2028.
  • Non-compliance carries fines up to $500 per teacher per day and $500,000 per day for the Alberta Teachers’ Association, with the law shielded from Charter challenges.
  • The ATA says it will follow the order and avoid illegal work-to-rule while pursuing legal options, and it is urging members to reconsider voluntary duties.
  • The UCP passed the bill overnight with curtailed debate as Premier Danielle Smith departed on a Middle East trade trip, and labour leaders meet to plan an ‘unprecedented response’ with details expected Wednesday.