Principals hold unique responsibilities under the Education Act, including directing the management of the school, ensuring instructional leadership, evaluating staff and programs and maintaining order and discipline. Because of this statutory role, principals may have responsibilities that are expected from them that differ from those of other teachers during a strike.

However, it is important to understand that these responsibilities are not unlimited. They should be linked to the daily running of the school and should not be extended to undermine or interfere with lawful strike action.

​In practical terms, principals can reasonably be expected to handle contingency planning related to winding down a school before a strike, similar to what happens at the end of a school year. However, directions that go beyond this—especially those that try to support operations aimed at reducing the strike’s impact—may cross a line. For example, being asked to “facilitate” a daycare could be problematic. Coordinating a survey of space availability is not the same as hiring staff or directly managing a program.

Because each situation depends on specific details, there is no universal “prohibited actions” list. School leaders should contact Teacher Employment Services (TES) for advice tailored to each case. Broad or general requests for confirmation that “they can’t do that” will rarely provide clear answers; the context is too important.

If a principal or other school leader is directed to perform duties that can be substantiated to interfere with strike action, possible recourse could include complaints to the Labour Relations Board regarding interference with a trade union. However, such action must be weighed against the board’s lawful authority to manage schools.

Principals should call TES when concerns arise. Clear, detailed information about what is being asked will allow for meaningful advice and, where appropriate, legal follow-up.

WORTH SHARING
Principals have distinct responsibilities under the Education Act, including overseeing school management. This may involve some extra expectations during strike contingency planning— but they are not unlimited.

Tasks related to winding down a school, like at year-end, are generally acceptable. Directions that might interfere with strike action—such as running daycares or programs—may be inappropriate.

Because each case depends on the details, there’s no simple “they can’t do that” list. Principals and school leaders should contact TES with specifics for tailored advice.

Read the full Worth Knowing here.

Questions? Contact Teacher Employment Services at 1-800-232-7208.
#WeAreATA

​When deciding on the form of labour action, Provincial Executive Council (PEC) considered a range of options. Work-to-rule, rolling strikes and progressive actions have been used in other jurisdictions, but PEC has chosen a complete withdrawal of service for all members.

A full strike demonstrates the collective strength of Alberta teachers in the clearest way possible. It unites all members in one action, sends a strong and unmistakable message to the government and avoids the confusion or uneven impact that other models can create. When everyone is out together, the disruption is immediate, visible and effective.
By contrast, alternative models carry significant weaknesses:
• Work-to-rule often fails to be understood by the public, employers and even some members. Because teachers already work far beyond their assignable time, withdrawing only “extras” does not generate the same level of disruption, and the impact is muted.
• Rolling strikes—where different schools or bargaining units strike on different days— spread the effect too thinly. They minimize disruption to the system and can make solidarity feel uneven.
• Progressive strikes, which escalate slowly, allow the government to prepare workarounds and weaken momentum. They rarely achieve the urgency that negotiations require.

PEC has determined that in the context of the current dispute, only a complete withdrawal of service will create the disruption necessary to force meaningful progress. While no strike action is ever easy, a full strike ensures that members stand together, shoulder to shoulder, in the most powerful show of solidarity available.

If you have questions about your own circumstances, please contact Teacher Employment Services at 1-800-232-7208.

WORTH SHARING 
PEC has chosen a complete withdrawal of service instead of work-to-rule, rolling or progressive strikes.

A full strike is the strongest action: it unites all teachers, sends a clear message to government and divisions, and creates immediate, undeniable disruption.

Other models are weaker—work-to-rule is often misunderstood, rolling strikes spread impact too thin and progressive strikes give employers time to prepare.

A full strike shows solidarity and maximizes pressure for real progress.

Read the full Worth Knowing here.

Questions? Contact Teacher Employment Services at 1-800-232-7208. #WeAreATA