Labour Leaders Reflect on Bill 2 Response Amidst Rising Citizen Action
Labour Reflects on Bill 2 Aftermath
Disappointment has resonated across Alberta following the United Conservative Party's use of the Charter's notwithstanding clause to end a three-week teachers' strike in late October 2025. Bill 2, the 'Back to School Act,' forced educators back to classrooms, prompting strong reactions and questions about organized labour's response.
Pushback Takes Multiple Forms
Gil McGowan, President of the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL), Alberta's largest union advocacy group, has publicly expressed regret for not calling a general strike immediately. He acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the government's move and admitted wishing he had 'clawed his way' into meetings with the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA), led by Jason Schilling.
Despite some community speculation, the AFL actively supports citizen-led recall petitions targeting UCP MLAs, with McGowan indicating these initiatives concern the government. Several petitions, including those against Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides, are actively collecting signatures. The ATA has also launched legal challenges against Bill 2, arguing it violates teachers' Charter rights. These broad citizen and legal actions underscore a determined, multi-faceted pushback against the government's controversial legislation.
