Alberta teachers' strike halts classes for 700,000 students

A strike by 51,000 Alberta teachers began on 6 October 2025, disrupting education for over 700,000 students across the province. The dispute centres on pay, class sizes, and funding for student support needs.

By Jonathan McConnell1 min read

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The strike commenced on 6 October 2025, leaving 51,000 teachers off work and affecting more than 700,000 students. The Alberta Teachers’ Association rejected the government’s latest offer, which included a 12-per-cent pay rise over four years.

The union has proposed a 34.5-per-cent pay increase over the same period, citing growing class sizes and insufficient resources for student needs. The government has introduced an online curriculum and $150 weekly payments to parents for childcare and tutoring.

Supporters, including parents and community members, rallied in Edmonton on World Teachers' Day. The Alberta government stated the union did not respond to requests to resume formal bargaining over the weekend.