Edmonton Teachers Strike: A Fight for Fairness in the Face of Absurdity

More than 3,000 Educational Support Workers in the Edmonton area went on strike on Monday, January 13, 2025. These workers, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3550, include educational assistants, custodians, and administrative staff who work in schools and central departments1. They have been working without a new contract since August 2020, demanding fair wages and improved working conditions2. This strike highlights a critical issue in Edmonton, and indeed across Alberta: the growing disparity between the compensation of essential public sector workers like teachers and the salaries of those in positions of political power, such as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).

While educational support workers are currently on the picket lines, teachers in Edmonton are also working without a contract3. To add insult to injury, substitute teachers are being paid $230 per day to fill in for striking support staff—more than what the striking workers are demanding in contract talks4. This only further emphasizes the disrespect shown towards these essential workers and underscores the urgent need for a fair and equitable resolution.

This article delves into the details of this disparity, comparing the salaries of Edmonton teachers with those of Alberta's MLAs, and examines the absurdity of a situation where educators struggle to make ends meet in an increasingly expensive city.

The Current State of the Edmonton Teachers' Strike

As of January 13, 2025, educational support workers in Edmonton Public Schools and Sturgeon School Division are officially on strike1. These workers play a vital role in the education system, providing support to students and teachers in various capacities. For example, educational assistants provide direct support to students with special needs, custodians ensure a clean and safe learning environment, and administrative staff handle crucial tasks related to school operations1. Their strike action is a result of failed negotiations with the school boards regarding wages and working conditions2. The Edmonton Public School Board has stated that learning will continue during the strike, with schools implementing contingency plans to support students1. However, the impact of the strike on students and the education system remains a concern, particularly as it drags on. One striking union representative expressed their frustration, stating that "it's a slap in the face to see substitute teachers being paid more than the dedicated support staff who work tirelessly to support our students." 5

Teacher Salaries in Edmonton

The average salary for a first-year teacher in Edmonton is approximately $65,772 per year6. This translates to an hourly wage of roughly $31.626. However, it's important to consider that this is an average, and salaries can vary based on experience, education level, and the specific school division.

Here's a breakdown of teacher salaries from different sources:

Source

Job Title

Average Salary

Experience Level

Source Date

ZipRecruiter 6

First Year Teacher

$65,772

Entry-level

January 10, 2025

Alberta Wage and Salary Survey 7

Secondary School Teacher

$80,556

Not specified

2021

Payscale 8

High School Teacher

C$70,022

Not specified

2025

Alberta Wage and Salary Survey 9

Elementary School and Kindergarten Teacher

$79,957

Not specified

2021

It's worth noting that these figures represent gross salaries. After deductions for taxes, pension contributions (which can range from $600 to $1,000 per month), and union fees, the take-home pay for teachers can be significantly lower10. As one Edmonton teacher shared on Reddit, "I am closer to the top of the scale, 9 years experience with 5 years of education and my take home as a teacher was approximately 4,200 a month." 10 This highlights the financial burdens faced by many teachers, especially those in the early stages of their careers.

MLA Salaries in Alberta

In stark contrast to the salaries of teachers, Alberta MLAs enjoy a significantly higher level of compensation.

Position

Salary

MLA

$120,936

Cabinet Ministers, Speaker, Leader of the Opposition

$181,404

Premier

$186,180

MLA salaries in Alberta have been frozen since 2019, following a $7,000 per year pay cut11. However, even with the freeze, the base salary for an MLA is still considerably higher than the average teacher's salary in Edmonton11.

Cost of Living vs. Teacher Salaries in Edmonton

The disparity between teacher salaries and MLA salaries becomes even more glaring when we consider the cost of living in Edmonton. The average cost of living in Edmonton for a single person who rents is $3,280 per month13. This includes expenses such as housing, transportation, groceries, and entertainment13. When factoring in expenses like childcare, healthcare, and other necessities, the cost of living can be even higher.

To further illustrate the challenges faced by teachers, let's look at the average rent for different housing options in Edmonton:

• One-bedroom apartment: $1,100 - $1,400 per month 16

• Two-bedroom apartment: $1,300 - $1,700 per month 16

• Two- or three-bedroom townhome: $1,500 - $2,200 per month 16

Considering these housing costs alone, it becomes clear that many teachers, especially those with families or other financial obligations, may struggle to make ends meet. This forces many teachers to take on additional jobs or make difficult financial decisions to afford the cost of living in Edmonton10.

The Absurdity of the Situation

The disparity between the salaries of teachers and MLAs is truly absurd. Teachers, who play a crucial role in shaping the minds of future generations and contribute significantly to society, are forced to fight for a livable wage while politicians earn considerably more. Using the average salary for a first-year teacher ($65,772) 6 and the base salary for an MLA ($120,936) 11, we can calculate that MLAs earn approximately 84% more than entry-level teachers. This significant difference in compensation raises serious questions about the priorities of the government and the value they place on education and the dedicated professionals who work in this field.

The Impact of Teacher Strikes

Teacher strikes have a significant impact on students, the education system, and the community as a whole. Some of the key impacts include:

• Disruption of Learning: Strikes disrupt the continuity of learning, leading to missed classes, canceled exams, and delays in curriculum coverage17. This can create knowledge gaps and negatively affect students' academic development17.

• Emotional Distress: Strikes can cause stress and anxiety for students, parents, and teachers alike17. The uncertainty and disruption to routines can be particularly challenging for younger students and those with special needs, potentially leading to emotional distress and long-term negative impacts on their well-being17.

• Strain on Resources: Schools often need to allocate additional resources to manage the impact of strikes, such as hiring substitute teachers or providing alternative learning arrangements. This can strain school budgets and resources.

• Community Impact: Teacher strikes can also have broader community impacts, such as disruptions to childcare arrangements and increased pressure on families.

While these consequences are significant, it's important to acknowledge that most teacher strikes are relatively short-lived, with 65% ending in 5 days or less18. Furthermore, research suggests that teacher strikes can lead to positive long-term outcomes, such as increased teacher pay, lower class sizes, and more state funds allocated to education19. In essence, these strikes can be a necessary disruption that ultimately leads to improvements in the education system and better working conditions for teachers.

Conclusion

The ongoing strike by educational support workers in Edmonton shines a light on the critical need for fair compensation and improved working conditions for all education workers. The absurdity of the situation, where teachers struggle to afford the cost of living while MLAs earn significantly higher salaries—approximately 84% more than entry-level teachers—is a clear indication of misplaced priorities. It's time for the government to recognize the invaluable contributions of educators and ensure they receive the compensation and respect they deserve.

This strike also serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in public education and supporting those who work tirelessly to provide quality education to Alberta's students. By addressing the concerns of education workers and ensuring they are adequately compensated, the government can help create a more stable and effective education system for all.

What can you do to support Edmonton teachers? Contact your MLA and express your concern about the current situation. Donate to the union's strike fund to help support the workers on the picket lines. Stay informed about the strike and share your support on social media. By raising our collective voice, we can help ensure that those who educate our children receive the fair treatment and respect they deserve.

Works cited

1. Edmonton Public Schools receives strike notice from CUPE Local 3550, accessed January 18, 2025, https://epsb.ca/news/schools/edmontonpublicschoolsreceivesstrikenoticefromcupelocal3550.html

2. Edmonton area ed workers file strike notice - The Alberta Worker, accessed January 18, 2025, https://albertaworker.ca/news/edmonton-area-ed-workers-file-strike-notice/

3. Edmonton's Educational Support Workers are now officially on strike! : r/alberta - Reddit, accessed January 18, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/alberta/comments/1i0g0pc/edmontons_educational_support_workers_are_now/

4. Substitute teachers being used to replace support staff during CUPE strike: Union - Edmonton | Globalnews.ca, accessed January 18, 2025, https://globalnews.ca/news/10963003/edmonton-cupe-strike-substitute-teachers/

5. 'Slap in the face:' Edmonton striking union concerned over substitute teachers, accessed January 18, 2025, https://edmonton.citynews.ca/video/2025/01/17/slap-in-the-face-edmonton-striking-union-concerned-over-substitute-teachers/

6. www.ziprecruiter.com, accessed January 18, 2025, https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/First-Year-Teacher-Salary--in-Alberta

7. Secondary school teachers: Wages and Salaries in Alberta - alis, accessed January 18, 2025, https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/wages-and-salaries-in-alberta/secondary-school-teachers/4031/

8. High School Teacher Salary in Edmonton, Alberta in 2024 | PayScale, accessed January 18, 2025, https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=High_School_Teacher/Salary/a4dd3050/Edmonton-AB

9. Elementary school and kindergarten teachers: Wages and Salaries in Alberta - alis, accessed January 18, 2025, https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/wages-and-salaries-in-alberta/elementary-school-and-kindergarten-teachers/4032/

10. Edmonton teachers salaries : r/Edmonton - Reddit, accessed January 18, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/Edmonton/comments/2glvl9/edmonton_teachers_salaries/

11. Taxpayers applaud pay freeze for Alberta MLAs - Newsroom, accessed January 18, 2025, https://www.taxpayer.com/newsroom/taxpayers-applaud-pay-freeze-for-alberta-mlas

12. Will Danielle Smith, Alberta MLAs see salary bump in 2024? - CityNews Calgary, accessed January 18, 2025, https://calgary.citynews.ca/2024/04/03/danielle-smith-salary-alberta-mlas-politicians-pay/

13. www.careerbeacon.com, accessed January 18, 2025, https://www.careerbeacon.com/en/cost-of-living/edmonton_alberta/22000-salary#:~:text=Average%20Cost%20of%20Living%20per,transportation%2C%20groceries%2C%20and%20entertainment.

14. Is $22,000 a good salary in Edmonton, Alberta in 2025 ..., accessed January 18, 2025, https://www.careerbeacon.com/en/cost-of-living/edmonton_alberta/22000-salary

15. What is a Good Salary in Edmonton, Alberta? | CareerBeacon, accessed January 18, 2025, https://www.careerbeacon.com/en/cost-of-living/edmonton_alberta

16. Cost of Living in Edmonton Alberta Canada[EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW 2025], accessed January 18, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzD2VEOD9HI

17. The Oakland Teacher's Strike impact on student learning - Great School Voices, accessed January 18, 2025, https://greatschoolvoices.org/2023/05/the-oakland-teachers-strike-impact-on-student-learning/

18. The resurgence and impacts of teacher strikes - Brookings Institution, accessed January 18, 2025, https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-resurgence-and-impacts-of-teacher-strikes/

19. Teacher Strikes Lead to Higher Pay, Lower Class Sizes, More State Funds | NEA, accessed January 18, 2025, https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/teacher-strikes-lead-higher-pay-lower-class-sizes-more-state-funds