October 9, 2025
RED FM News Desk
Alberta teachers remain on the picket lines for a fourth day, braving colder weather and continuing their strike without pay. Despite the challenges, many say they’re standing firm.
“This is a fight that needs to happen,” said Karlee Hren, a public school teacher. “We’re constantly being asked to do more, but our pay hasn’t kept up.”
The strike is also beginning to affect other school workers. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) reports layoff notices have already gone out to 240 Catholic support staff in Lethbridge and 40 bus drivers in High Prairie, with concerns that more could follow if the strike and related lockouts continue.
“That would be bad for everyone,” said CUPE spokesperson Lou Arab. “This province can’t keep operating with the lowest education funding in the country. The government needs to step up.”
Meanwhile, Edmonton Public Schools say they haven’t issued any layoffs, and all staff are still working at schools and the central office.
The Education Minister responded in a statement, saying school boards have been directed to provide alternative roles or professional development for educational assistants. While government funding to boards remains unchanged, decisions on staffing rest with local school boards.
“The government could be more assertive in telling school divisions to protect jobs—but they haven’t done that,” Arab said.
There may be a glimmer of hope: following recent informal talks, both the Alberta Teachers’ Association and the provincial government have agreed to return to the bargaining table, with mediation set to begin Tuesday.
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