Teachers Locked Out in Sherwood Park as Bitter Labour Dispute Escalates

A tense labour standoff between Alberta educators and the provincial government has reached a boiling point, culminating in a government-issued lockout that has left teachers locked out of their schools.

The move is a dramatic escalation in the ongoing collective bargaining dispute between the Alberta Teachers Association (ATA) and the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA).

In response, a sea of red washed over Sherwood Park as roughly 700 teachers and community supporters lined Baseline Road for a ‘Red for Ed’ rally.

Passing drivers honked their horns in solidarity with the demonstration, where signs criticized overflowing class sizes and inadequate education funding.

The consequences of the dispute are being felt directly in local households.

More than 27,000 students in Strathcona County are now out of school, affecting families within both Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) and Elk Island Catholic Schools.

School officials have expressed deep concern about potential learning gaps as the strike and lockout drag on.

The lockout was a swift counter-move after teachers initiated strike action on October 6, following the rejection of a tentative agreement.

Local politicians have weighed in, reflecting a sharp divide on the issue.

Sherwood Park NDP MLA Kyle Kasawski called on the government to return to the table with serious proposals that address classroom complexity and bring per-student funding up from the country's lowest.

Conversely, Strathcona-Sherwood Park MLA Nate Glubish stated the government respects the bargaining process and that such discussions must occur directly between TEBA and the ATA.

In a powerful show of support, students from Archbishop Jordan Catholic High School even organized their own rally to stand with their educators.

Organizers said their teachers feel overwhelmed and undersupported, and it was the students' turn to show up for them.

With negotiations at a standstill, families across the community are left in limbo, anxiously awaiting a resolution that will get students back into their classrooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are teachers locked out in Alberta?

The lockout was issued by the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) as a tactic in the collective bargaining dispute after the Alberta Teachers Association (ATA) began strike action. Key issues include classroom sizes, student support, and education funding.

Which schools in Sherwood Park are affected by the teacher lockout?

All public and Catholic schools in the area are impacted, including those within Elk Island Public Schools and Elk Island Catholic Schools, affecting over 27,000 students in Strathcona County and surrounding communities.

What is 'Red for Ed'?

'Red for Ed' is a solidarity movement where teachers and supporters wear red to advocate for public education. It has become a visible symbol during rallies and protests related to the ongoing teachers' strike and lockout in Alberta.