TORONTO, Oct. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — L'Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO), Ontario Anglo-Catholic Teachers' Association (OECTA), Council of Ontario School Board Unions (CUPE-OSBCU) and Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) have released the following joint statement:
“We stand in full solidarity with our fellow Alberta teachers who are fighting for a fair deal to ensure better learning and working conditions for teachers, educators and students alike.
We are deeply alarmed and outraged by the Government of Alberta's decision to legislate teachers back to work and their use of the default clause to impose a collective bargaining agreement. This constitutes a dangerous and undemocratic abuse of power. By invoking this provision, the government has deliberately trampled on Alberta teachers' constitutional rights to free, fair and meaningful collective bargaining, denying them the ability to stand up for themselves, their students and their profession.
Notwithstanding this provision, it should not be an instrument of political convenience or a weapon aimed at depriving workers of their fundamental rights. Its use by the Government of Alberta undermines democracy and sets a deeply troubling precedent that threatens the rights of all Canadians.
Ontario workers have been here before. When the Ford government invoked the no-holds-barred clause against CUPE-OSBCU educators in 2022, we joined with allies across Canada to force the government to back down and repeal the bill. Now the Alberta government must do the same and repeal this disgraceful back to work law.
Across the country, teachers and educators share a common commitment to supporting every student, strengthening publicly funded education, and building a fair, equitable and just society. Teachers in Alberta have shown tremendous courage and unity in the face of government inaction and disrespect. Their struggles are ones we all understand and support: the fight for properly funded schools, class sizes that enable success, and the respect needed to best support students to learn, grow, and thrive.
To every Alberta teacher, know that you are not alone. Ontario's education unions and teachers stand shoulder to shoulder with you. Your strength, determination and solidarity are an inspiration to us all.”
Marta Gradovy, President of OSSTF/FEESO
René Jansen-in-de-Wal, President of OECTA
Gabriel Lemieux, President of AEFO
David Mastin, ETFO President
Joe Tigani, President of CUPE-OSBCU
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