Teachers from Lethbridge, Palliser, Horizon, Livingstone Range, Holy Spirit and Westward School Divisions were all out in solidarity all over Alberta during the weekend as the teacher strike was about to start on Monday. I attended the rally at Henderson Lake with my family to support my colleagues and students in what will likely be a lasting work stoppage.
The government announced yesterday that they would be initiating a lockout for teachers. A lockout is an employer-initiated action that legally restricts employees from performing their work or receiving pay from the employer.
Because teachers are already on strike and not performing duties, the lockout does not change teachers’ current status but it does make it more clear the hostile position the government is taking toward teachers.
The lockout will take effect at 1:00 p.m. on October 9.
I support teachers and this lockout is only widening the gap in what teachers and students in Alberta deserve.
There will be another rally tomorrow (October 8) at Henderson Lake from 12-1pm. There won’t be any speeches this time, just getting out and being visible to the public.