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5h ago

Alberta Teachers’ Strike Enters Week Three as Province Warns of Oct. 27 Back-to-Work Law

Roughly 750,000 students remain out of class following the union's rejection of mediation that excluded class-size caps.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, right, and Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides provide an update on teacher bargaining in Calgary, on Oct. 17. More than 750,000 students have been out of class since Oct. 6.
Striking Alberta teachers and supporters wave signs outside Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Aaron Sousa
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith provides an update on teacher bargaining in Calgary, on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
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Overview

  • Premier Danielle Smith said teachers could be ordered back when the legislature reconvenes Oct. 27, citing potential irreparable harm to students.
  • The government’s last offer included a 12% wage increase over four years and hiring 3,000 teachers, while officials say the union’s proposal would cost about $2 billion more than budgeted.
  • The province made November diploma exams optional and said skipping them will not affect post-secondary applications, with January and June exams unchanged.
  • The Alberta Teachers’ Association said it is open to bargaining but called the government’s enhanced mediation proposal insulting because it barred discussion of class-size caps.
  • A labour relations expert warned legislating a return could deepen long-term tensions, as students face lost instruction, halted sports, and cuts to school food programs.