Edmonton kids head back to school as possible teachers’ strike, lockout looms

Most kids in the Edmonton area returned to class on Tuesday, but it's not clear how long school will be in session with a potential teachers' strike looming.

While students and parents alike look forward to the first day of school, this year a level of uncertainty hangs over the day as a possible teachers’ strike or lockout looms.

Carmel Tavares, whose daughters are going into Grades 4 and 6, said she’s more worried about how potential job action could impact their learning than the childcare situation.

“We’re in a position where I think we would be OK,” said Tavares as she dropped her kids off at school Tuesday morning. “But I know there are families who would have lots of concerns.

“We are worried about their education and if they’ll fall back.”

Nadia-Lynne Valencia’s daughter is going into Grade 6, and while she’s excited for the new school year, Valencia said there’s a fear of another COVID-like situation with the possibility of job action from teachers and the province.

“I think every parent fears (that),” said Valencia.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

Last week, the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) reached a standstill with the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) – the group that represents the province in contract negotiations.

The ATA turned down an offer that included a 12 per cent wage increase over four years and the hiring of 3,000 teachers across the province.

No counter-offer was received from the ATA, said the TEBA, which later voted in favour of a lockout that could prevent teachers from working with 72-hours notice.

The province said it would only use the lockout as a reactionary response.

Meanwhile, teachers have had the opportunity to initiate a strike since June after the majority of ATA members voted in favour. They would also have to give 72-hours notice. Teachers have until Oct. 7 to hit the picket line.

The ATA said wages have gone up by less than six per cent over the last decade, and even with a 12 per cent increase, they wouldn’t be paid as much as teachers in other provinces.

But that isn’t the only thing teachers are looking for.

Class size and complexity is frequently brought up by educators as the province has seen a population influx over the last few years with a decline in teachers.

The ATA said there were no recent updates to contract negotiations as of Tuesday afternoon.