Calgary students return to class as threat of strike or lockout looms

The province's controversial school book ban is on hold. Meanwhile, a potential teachers' lockout or strike looms over classrooms.

Despite the possibility of a teachers’ strike, hundreds of thousands of children will be back in the classroom on Tuesday.

Calgary’s two largest school boards say so far, it’s business as usual.

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The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) will welcome back all students on Tuesday, while students of the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) will return either Tuesday or Wednesday.

Bargaining between the province and the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) came to a halt last Thursday.

On Friday, the province voted in favour of locking teachers out. It’s now waiting for approval from the Alberta Labour Relations Board.

The ATA has been in a position since June to issue a 72-hour strike notice at any moment.

“We definitely need to sit down and see government move away from this restrictive financial mandate that they’ve put in place for their bargaining team,” said Jason Schilling, ATA president, on Tuesday.

The strike could take several forms, from a work-to-rule format, rotating strikes, or a full province-wide walkout.

“I’m always hopeful that we’re going to find a negotiated settlement that’s going to work, that’s ideal but we’ll just have to see how conversations and negotiations unfold,” Schilling said.

“I would ideally like to see something that works for everybody.”

The CBE and CCSD say they will keep parents and guardians informed, and will share any new information related to job action on their websites.

“I definitely understand the anxiety that parents might have and the uncertainty that all of this creates,” said Schilling.

“Teachers are professionals, they care about their students. They’re there this morning working with kids across the province and they’ll do what they need to do to make sure that students are caught up.”

Calgary Police urge back-to-school safety

Meanwhile, as students are in class for now, the Calgary Police Service are urging safety this back-to-school season.

CPS say parents and guardians should ensure children are familiar with the following:

• Their full name, age, address and contact numbers;
• Follow the same route to and from school;
• Take main routes and avoid shortcuts;
• Key traffic signs and signals;
• Never talk to, accept items from, or go anywhere with strangers;
• Never to reveal they’re alone or that parents/guardians aren’t home; and
• Seek help from a trusted adult or police officer if they feel unsafe.

With increased activity near playground and school zones, police are reminding drivers to slow down, take caution and watch for anyone crossing the street.

They’re also being told to avoid distracted driving and take caution around school buses that stop often for student to get on and off.

Meanwhile, the CPS says students should only cross at designated crosswalks so drivers know where they are.

CPS also encouraging online safety. Parents are reminded to check privacy setting, use parental controls and teach respectful online behaviour.

For more safety tips, you can visit the Calgary Police Service website.