**Title: Alberta Teachers' Strike Affects 51,000 Educators and Students**

A historic strike by Alberta teachers began today, impacting over 730,000 students across the province. The Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) announced that 51,000 members would walk off the job after failing to reach an agreement with their employers. Classes have been canceled at approximately 2,000 schools, including public, Catholic, and francophone institutions.

School divisions have advised families not to send their children to school. Notices have been sent out, urging parents to keep students at home and to retrieve any personal belongings from school. The strike's duration remains uncertain, prompting school boards to prepare for an extended absence of classes.

In response to the strike, the provincial government is offering $30 per day for each child aged 12 and under whose classes are canceled. Additionally, if the strike lasts longer than five days, the government will increase the monthly child-care subsidy for children in Grades 1 to 6 to summer rates. The province has also made resources available online for students and lifted restrictions on distance education credits. Furthermore, entrance fees for individuals aged 18 and younger at provincial cultural sites will be waived during the strike.

Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides expressed disappointment over the strike but emphasized the importance of focusing on students' education. The contract for the teachers expired on August 31, 2024. Tensions escalated earlier this year when teachers rejected a mediator's proposal that included a 12 percent wage increase over four years and a $405 million fund for class size and complexity.

In a vote held last month, nearly 90 percent of teachers rejected a tentative agreement that included the same salary increase and a commitment to hire 3,000 new teachers and 1,500 educational assistants by 2028. Teachers voiced concerns that the offer did not adequately address salary issues related to inflation, which complicates recruitment and retention efforts. They also argued that the proposed number of new hires was insufficient to improve classroom conditions, which have been deteriorating due to increasing enrollment.

ATA President Jason Schilling stated that the current situation in schools has reached a crisis point. He noted that many students, particularly those learning English or with disabilities, are not receiving the support they need. Schilling emphasized that the education system is in dire need of reform, stating, "The system is broken. We're in a crisis and we have to fix it. And that's why they're taking this stand."

Premier Danielle Smith has indicated that the government is unwilling to agree to class-size caps, citing a lack of available space in schools. The ATA continues to engage in informal discussions with the government in hopes of reaching a future agreement. As the strike unfolds, the focus remains on the impact on students and the urgent need for resolution between teachers and the provincial government.