Business associations in Alberta have raised concerns about the negative impact of the ongoing teachers’ strike on the local economy. Despite the anticipation of students returning to school soon, the resolution of the dispute through the notwithstanding clause has introduced further uncertainty for the future.
Since October 6, members of the Alberta Teachers’ Association have been on strike, prompting the provincial government to use the notwithstanding clause to compel their return to work, a move criticized by labor organizations. The possibility of a broader labor response looms following this development.
During the period of school closure, small businesses in the province faced challenges on multiple fronts, as highlighted by the Alberta chapter of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). The strike led to reduced productivity due to parents taking time off to care for their children and disruptions in work schedules.
Local businesses near schools experienced a direct impact on their sales, with a significant drop in foot traffic reported by Jamie Senturk, the owner of a pizza restaurant in Calgary. Ehsan Al-Shammari, who owns another nearby restaurant, also noted a decrease in business activity attributed not only to the absence of students but also to the broader economic repercussions of teachers being unpaid and families staying home.
Economist Charles St-Arnaud from Alberta Central emphasized the widespread economic consequences of the strike, highlighting reduced spending by parents and teachers, which could have a ripple effect on the economy. Concerns were also raised by Deborah Yedlin, the president of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, regarding the loss of educational time for students preparing for post-secondary education.
While many businesses are relieved by the return to stability following the strike resolution, there is apprehension about potential future labor disputes. The Alberta Federation of Labour has signaled its opposition to the government’s actions and hinted at possible collective labor actions in response.
In a similar instance in Ontario in 2022, where the notwithstanding clause was used to prevent a labor strike, strong backlash from workers and the broader labor movement led to the repeal of the contentious legislation. The situation in Alberta remains fluid as stakeholders assess their next steps in response to the recent developments.
