What happens when a government that calls itself the champion of freedom uses its strongest legal tool against its own teachers?
Carlin Lutzer reconnects with Alberta Teachers Association representative David Tait to unpack life after Bill 2 and the forced end to the province wide teacher strike.
David explains how the government used the notwithstanding clause to impose a mediator recommended contract, end both central and local strikes, and attach heavy fines to almost any form of future job action, even as it begins to adopt ATA language around class size and complexity.
He explains what teachers were really fighting for, why wages were never the main issue, and how years of underfunding and underbuilding schools collided with a dramatic influx of new students.
Along the way, Carlin and David tackle myths about the ATA being a partisan player, explore the mood inside Alberta classrooms now that staff are back at work, and end with a clear call for parents and community members to keep pressing government for real investment so excellent teachers are free to be excellent with Alberta kids.
Listen For
1:03 How did Bill 2 force teachers back into classrooms?
6:00 Why were wages never the main issue for Alberta teachers?
11:50 What does the three year imposed contract really mean for schools?
16:53 Did immigration actually cause Alberta classroom chaos?
23:24 How can parents and communities keep the pressure on for real change?
Connect with guest: David Tait
LinkedIn | Alberta Teachers’ Association Foothills Local 16
Connect with Carlin
