AUPE stands in solidarity with Alberta’s teachers—and all workers

Strikes are a powerful tool. They take bravery, unity, and determination to use.

The members of the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) showed tremendous courage by taking job action, especially so early in the school year and for so long. Teachers proudly defended their students and the high-quality public education that we all deserve.

AUPE members are rightfully outraged that the Government of Alberta passed Bill 2 and used the notwithstanding clause to force teachers back to work. To make matters worse, the government also forced teachers to accept a contract they already voted to reject. The government’s abuse of power strips the teachers of their Charter rights. 

When a government decides it can break one union’s strike, it puts everyone's rights and freedoms at risk. It’s an attack on all workers, not just teachers or unions.

We respect the ATA’s difficult decision to go back to work. The government threatened them with heavy-handed fines: $500 per day for individual teachers and $500,000 for the ATA. AUPE will continue to support them no matter what happens next.

Many of our own members are also getting ready for possible job action, including Health Care Aides and Licensed Practical Nurses working for Alberta Health Services. 

We are prepared to exercise our right to strike if we must. If the government tries to stop us, AUPE members will respond appropriately. 

Together, we must resist this government’s attempts to take away our rights.

Solidarity with teachers! Solidarity with all workers!