Alberta’s finance minister has indicated that the province may explore back-to-work legislation if teachers remain on strike when the legislature reconvenes later this month.
Nate Horner mentioned that there is a significant gap between the demands of the union representing the striking teachers and the financial resources the government is prepared to allocate.
The strike, which affects approximately 750,000 students in 2,500 schools, entered its seventh day on Wednesday.
A new contract proposal from the Alberta Teachers’ Association was discussed during a bargaining session on Tuesday, marking the first such meeting since the 51,000 teachers initiated their strike on October 6.
In an interview with Corus Radio’s Shaye Ganam, Horner stated that the union “shot for the moon” with its latest demands, which would necessitate nearly $2 billion more than the government’s budgeted amount for a settlement.
“In that regard, I’m sure their members will be satisfied with this request,” Horner expressed on Wednesday.
He also suggested that it is probable the government will introduce back-to-work legislation when the legislative assembly reconvenes.
“If this situation persists when we begin our session on October 27, I expect we will aim to return students to classrooms swiftly,” he remarked.
“While the parties have left the door open for further discussions, we are somewhat pressed for time.”
According to him, the government’s budget cap for a contract stands at $2.6 billion, which is intended to cover four years.
“I was hoping for a proposal that was more reasonable within the parameters we have already negotiated over the past year,” the minister noted.
Horner explained that the union’s proposal essentially calls for a higher salary increase than what the government previously suggested, along with measures addressing classroom matters, such as limits on class sizes.
Union president Jason Schilling stated during a press conference on Wednesday that their proposal is not unreasonable.
“The government sought to understand what teachers wanted, and we provided that clarity,” he remarked.
Province remains firm, Horner asserts
The last proposal from the government, which was overwhelmingly turned down by teachers in a vote last month, included a 12 percent salary increase over four years and a commitment to hire an additional 3,000 educators to alleviate overcrowded classrooms.
Horner emphasized that the province will not change its stance on salary offers, stating that the last proposal was “extremely fair” and aligned with recent agreements made with other public sector unions.
“I believe there is little flexibility on that front,” he added.
The union did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the minister’s remarks.
A spokesperson for the union indicated that no additional meeting dates have been arranged, and both sides are “evaluating their options.”
Horner subsequently stated that the government hopes to return to the bargaining table within the week.
“The ATA and its members must be ready to pursue a clear and realistic solution,” he stated.
Schilling responded, asserting that the union is being pragmatic.
“You want reality? Take a look at our classrooms throughout this province,” he said.
“To suggest that we are not grounded in reality is incorrect … we are facing the consequences of this government’s failure to adequately support the students of this province, their families, and all of Alberta.”
