Alberta teachers’ strike: Why Danielle Smith’s push to bring them back to work could shake Canada’s labour unions

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith plans to introduce the Back to School Act, forcing teachers back to classrooms amid a three-week strike over pay, class size, and workload. The government may invoke the notwithstanding clause, potentially curbing constitutional strike rights, sparking nationwide labour concerns. Critics warn this could escalate tensions with unions, weaken collective bargaining, and set a precedent for future public-sector disputes. While schools may reopen, underlying issues remain unresolved, turning a classroom conflict into a constitutional showdown.