Alberta Teachers' Strike Ends with Notwithstanding Clause
The province-wide teachers' strike in Alberta may end as early as Wednesday, but its aftermath will be long-lasting.
The strike, which began on October 6, involved 51,000 public, francophone, and Catholic schoolteachers. The United Conservative Party (UCP) has been considering using the Notwithstanding Clause of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to end the strike.
On Monday, the UCP introduced Bill 2, the Back to School Act, which is back-to-work legislation aimed at the Alberta Teachers Association (ATA) and its members. Premier Danielle Smith's actions convey several key messages, including:
- Dislike for negotiating with unions, especially public sector unions
- Refusal to negotiate with unions that defy the government
Premier Danielle Smith hoped to convey that the government will not negotiate with unions that defy them.
Author's summary: Alberta's teachers' strike ends with Notwithstanding Clause.