Threat of general strike from Alberta unions fizzles as they promise survey instead

By Canadian Press on October 29, 2025.

EDMONTON — Threats of a general strike issued by Alberta unions over the treatment of teachers have fizzled, with labour groups saying they’ll conduct a survey on the possibility of a mass walkout.

Gil McGowan with the Alberta Federation of Labour and other union leaders say they’ll also try to recall legislature members and take other steps to “throw sand in the gears” of Premier Danielle Smith’s government.

The government invoked the Charter’s notwithstanding clause this week to shut down a provincewide teachers strike and impose a contract on 51,000 members of the Alberta Teachers’ Association.

Unions say if that’s allowed to stand, leverage is lost in negotiations for all workers.

McGowan rejected suggestions from reporters that he mismanaged public expectations and says organizing extreme measures like a general strike takes time.

He promised in recent days an “unprecedented response” to back-to-work legislation, including a general strike, and said other unions were pitching in to build a war chest to pay fines.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 29, 2025.

The Canadian Press