Calgary Parents Struggle with Work-Life Balance Amid Strikes

Calgary's classrooms are empty this October 2025, as the ongoing teachers' strike continues to disrupt routines for hundreds of thousands of local families. The Alberta Teachers' Association strike began October 6, affecting 51,000 teachers and 730,000 students, with a lockout by the Teachers' Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) following on October 9 at 1 p.m. Parents are scrambling, navigating limited work-from-home options and the expense of last-minute babysitters to keep work commitments.

This crisis highlights a critical challenge for Calgary's working population: a severe daycare shortage. A September 2025 study revealed only seven percent of downtown office spaces offer on-site childcare, exacerbating the problem as waitlists for spots stretch for months or even years. Finding suitable real estate with outdoor play areas and qualified staff remains a hurdle for new facilities.

While Calgary's economy is forecast to outperform national trends in 2025, fueled by population growth and diversification, the strike brings the need for robust family support into sharp focus. The question looms for local businesses: how can they better support their workforce during such unprecedented disruptions?

Globally, Canada ranks 7th for work-life balance in 2025, and Calgary employers are increasingly offering flexible and hybrid work models. However, the current situation demands more from workplaces. With upcoming back-to-work legislation expected by October 27, this city-wide struggle underscores that genuine work-life balance isn't just about perks; it's about resilient support systems when Calgarians need them most.