Alberta teachers refuse mediation excluding class-size limits as the strike nears its third week, leaving 750,000 students out of school.
Alberta teachers reject talks excluding class-size limits
Mounting tension in Alberta schools
Alberta’s nine-day-old teachers’ strike intensified Friday as the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) refused to join government-led mediation sessions that exclude discussion of class-size caps and student–teacher ratios. The strike has left about 750,000 students across the province without instruction since October 6.
Disputed request for a voluntary return
A letter from Alberta’s finance ministry asked roughly 51,000 striking teachers to return to classrooms voluntarily while negotiations continued. ATA president Jason Schilling said the association declined, calling the proposal “insulting” and biased in favour of employers. “Our classrooms are overcrowded and under-resourced,” Schilling said, adding that class-size limits are central to the teachers’ demands.
Government signals possible legislation
Premier Danielle Smith warned that if no deal is reached by the time the legislative session begins the week of October 27, her government could introduce back-to-work legislation. “Albertans should fully expect action,” Smith said, emphasizing the need to prevent further disruption to students’ academic planning.
Classroom complexity at the centre of dispute
The government’s mediation proposal, released by the ATA, directed a mediator to explore teacher salaries and “classroom complexity” — referring to the increasing number of students with diverse learning, behavioural, and health needs. However, the proposal explicitly barred hard caps on class sizes or student-teacher ratios. Schilling said the exclusion undermines meaningful reform.
Academic impacts and exam changes
With classes suspended provincewide, Alberta Education announced that November diploma exams will be optional for students. January exams, which account for 30 per cent of final grades, remain scheduled. Officials said the adjustment aims to limit academic fallout from the ongoing labour dispute.
Experts warn of long-term strain
Jason Foster, a labour relations professor at Athabasca University, said the government’s mediation proposal appears designed for optics rather than progress. He predicted any back-to-work bill could restrict arbitrators from addressing class sizes, fuelling resentment among educators. “This will only deepen anger and erode trust in the long run,” Foster said.
Ongoing stalemate
Teachers, who rejected two contract offers in five months, seek stronger wage growth and binding measures on class composition. The latest employer offer included a 12 per cent raise over four years and funding for 3,000 new teachers and 1,500 educational assistants by 2028. The ATA maintains that only enforceable ratios can ensure long-term classroom quality.
