ATA Solidarity Statement

Posted on 10/1/2025

As many of you know, the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) has declared that its members will commence province-wide strike action on October 6, 2025, if a fair and just agreement is not reached beforehand. This is a moment of deep significance for public education in our province, and CSU 52 stands firmly in solidarity with teachers as they fight for fair compensation, improved working conditions, and improved classroom resources.

Our members in Edmonton and beyond understand that the challenges teachers face do not occur in isolation. Class sizes, resource constraints, and funding pressures affect all public services. We recognize that when teachers take a stand, they are doing so not only for themselves but for the future of public service and for the wellbeing of our communities.

In support of our teacher colleagues, we encourage members to attend the public rallies organized in Edmonton and across Alberta. One confirmed rally is:

We will share any additional solidarity and picket line events as they become confirmed.

We also recognize the impact this strike may have on our own members and their families. The City of Edmonton, Edmonton Police Service, and TELUS World of Science have communicated with us on their plans to support employees through this time, such as flexible scheduling policies, increased work-from-home, and, at TWOSE, “Strike Camps” for staff children. These are positive commitments that make a real difference.

For our other employers – EPCOR, Edmonton Public Library, Capital Power, and Valleyview Library – if you have already put similar measures in place, we urge you to clearly communicate them to both members and to CSU 52. If not, we call on you to act quickly to adopt flexibility policies that will allow employees to manage the disruptions this strike may bring. To our members at the City, EPS, and TWOSE, we also know that the implementation of organizational directives can vary widely. CSU 52 will support you in holding these employers accountable so that flexibility is applied fairly and consistently.

We also want to remind members that under Alberta law you are entitled to Personal and Family Responsibility Leave (up to 5 days per year, unpaid) to deal with family responsibilities, including school closures. Employers cannot deny the taking of this leave. This is not an ideal solution, but it is an option of last resort if no other arrangements are possible.

This is a pivotal moment for public education and public service in Alberta. We extend our full support to ATA members. Your voices matter, and your courage matters. CSU 52 is committed to standing beside you.

In solidarity,

Bryce Jowett
President
Civic Service Union 52

Related: ATA Solidarity Statement (October 1, 2025)