US EditionAlberta Teamsters Blast Danielle Smith After Attack on Teachers’ Rights
The Alberta government used the notwithstanding clause to impose fines and end a three-week teachers' strike affecting nearly 400,000 workers, prompting union leaders to plan a coordinated response.
- On Tuesday, the Alberta government passed Bill 2, the Back to School Act, using the notwithstanding clause to end the teachers' strike and keep classrooms open, the Alberta government said.
- Teachers have been on strike since Oct. 6, and the Alberta Federation of Labour, an umbrella of 24 unions, joined other unions under the Common Front coalition representing nearly 400,000 workers; all unions held emergency meetings on Friday and Monday to plan for the notwithstanding clause.
- Union leaders condemned the legislation, saying it strips constitutionally protected rights and Alberta Teamsters pledged support for education workers representing over 15,000 workers.
- The Alberta Teachers' Association said classes would resume on Tuesday and that it would pursue all legal alternatives, while union leaders said a provincewide strike remains under consideration.
- The AFL warned this decision marks a dangerous turning point for democracy, while Teamsters Canada recalled legal challenges filed last year after federal back-to-work orders.
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12 Articles
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Alberta Teamsters Blast Danielle Smith After Attack on Teachers’ Rights
CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alberta Teamsters are standing firmly with education workers in defence of their right to free and fair collective bargaining. Union leaders today condemned Premier Danielle Smith’s decision to invoke the notwithstanding clause…
Labour leaders vow ‘unprecedented response’ as Alberta uses notwithstanding clause
The Alberta Federation of Labour says the provincial government’s decision to use the Charter's notwithstanding clause to force striking teachers back to work marks a dangerous turning point for democracy and worker rights.
‘Didn’t need to go this far’: Labour relations expert reacts to use of notwithstanding clause in teachers’ strike – ETFOCB
The Alberta government used the notwithstanding clause to end the teachers’ strike, imposing a three-year contract. Jason Foster, a labour relations professor with Athabasca University, says the government’s move breaches charter rights and sets a troubling precedent for public sector bargaining. He speaks with Alberta Primetime host Michael Higgins.
Alberta labour group promises response for forcing striking teachers back to work
The Canadian Press The head of a coalition representing thousands of unionized Alberta workers says there’ll be an unprecedented response to the province’s order requiring teachers to return to work. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s government passed a bill at 2 a.m. today using the Charter’s notwithstanding clause to order 51-thousand striking teachers to return on Wednesday. Gil McGowan with Common Front says they’re meeting today to discuss a…
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