An Angus Reid Institute survey indicates that Alberta teachers, currently locked out due to a contract dispute, enjoy more public backing compared to the provincial government, resulting in a second week of canceled classes. The online poll, answered by over 800 Albertans last Wednesday through Friday, reveals that 58% of respondents sympathize with the teachers, while 21% support the government’s stance, and 18% remain undecided.
Shachi Kurl, the President of the Angus Reid Institute, highlighted the significance of understanding public opinion as negotiations resume, emphasizing that public sentiment could influence the parties’ motivation to reach a resolution. The ongoing strike, initiated by 51,000 public, Catholic, and francophone school teachers on October 6, stemmed from dissatisfaction with teaching conditions, class sizes, support for students with special needs, and stagnant salaries relative to inflation.
Amid the contract dispute, the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) enforced a lockout of teachers last Thursday, leading to the cancellation of classes for approximately 750,000 kindergarten to Grade 12 students across the province. The online poll, conducted among 807 members of the Angus Reid platform, revealed insights into voter sentiments based on party affiliations, with NDP supporters more inclined to support teachers. The survey also uncovered concerns regarding class sizes, teacher salaries, and the government’s handling of education in Alberta.
Lori Williams, an associate professor at Mount Royal University, indicated that the survey results could impact negotiation strategies, with widespread discontent favoring teachers at the bargaining table. Moreover, the poll suggested that the government’s communication strategy leading up to the strike may have alienated the public. Middle school teacher Amrit Rai Nannan echoed the poll findings, expressing gratitude for the validation of public support during the strike.
As the conflict continues, the evolving public sentiment may play a decisive role in shaping the outcome, potentially influencing future elections. Alberta’s Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides acknowledged the challenges posed by the strike, emphasizing the government’s efforts to address the complexity of modern classrooms.