Edmonton – October 31, 2025 – UFCW Canada stands in solidarity with Alberta’s labour movement as they fight back against the Alberta UCP’s decision to legislate teachers back to work and invoke the notwithstanding clause to impose a collective agreement.

The Alberta government is directly and deliberately attacking the fundamental freedom of association and collective bargaining, protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

By choosing to invoke the notwithstanding clause, Premier Danielle Smith and her government are sending the message that Albertans’ charter-protected rights are optional or expendable for political gain. When rights can be set aside at will, they cease to be rights at all.

UFCW Canada stands firmly with the Alberta Teachers’ Association and all education workers in their fight for a fair agreement that respects teachers, benefits students, and strengthens public education.

Bill 2 sets a dangerous precedent across the entire labour movement where governments can decide to disregard parts of the Canadian constitution it deems inconvenient to their agenda.

As a movement we must draw a clear line in the sand when it comes to freedom of association: an injury to one is an injury to all.

The Alberta Labour movement is organizing towards a potential general strike: we call on  labour activists across Canada to stand in solidarity with them and defend our fundamental labour rights.