EDMONTON — The idea of being forced back to work doesn’t sit well with Alberta teacher Ewelina Warchol.

“That’s a really hard blow,” said Warchol, an Edmonton-based teacher of 17 years. “It’s taking away a lot of our rights and our possibility to fight for our future.”

Warchol was one of thousands of teachers and supporters who jeered, chanted and dumped protest potatoes at the door of the Alberta legislature Thursday.

It came as Premier Danielle Smith announced her government would, absent a negotiated deal at the bargaining table, pass back-to-work legislation Monday to end the strike that began Oct. 6.

She told reporters there’s still time to get a deal done, but it’s up to the Alberta Teachers’ Association.

That deal needs to include proper support for teachers, Warchol said.

“It

See Full Page