As we welcome back staff and students to our schools, we are sharing some updates related to labour relations.
Current Situation
Negotiations between the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA), which represents government and school authorities, have been ongoing since the teachers’ collective agreement expired in August 2024.
- Earlier this year, a mediator recommended a settlement, but the proposal was not ratified by teachers.
- In June, approximately 94.5% of teachers who voted supported possible job action.
- This gives the ATA up to 120 days from the vote to initiate action unless a settlement is reached.
- The ATA must provide 72 hours’ notice before commencing any job action.
Job action could take different forms, including “work to rule” (withdrawal of voluntary services), rotating strikes, or a full strike. Not all job actions would directly disrupt classes, and schools will remain open unless notice specifies otherwise.
What Happens Next
Both the ATA and TEBA remain committed to reaching an agreement, and we are hopeful progress can be made soon.
Recently, TEBA requested that school boards across Alberta grant authority to engage in a lockout if necessary. Lockouts are a legislated part of the bargaining process and a common response to a strike vote. Even if TEBA receives lockout authority through certification by the Alberta Labour Relations Board, there would be no immediate impact on school operations. TEBA has indicated a lockout would only be considered if work stoppages prevented schools from operating safely and effectively.
Division Role in Bargaining
It is important to note that bargaining for items such as teacher salaries takes place centrally at the provincial level between TEBA and the ATA. Local school divisions, including Palliser, are not directly involved until central bargaining concludes.
About the ATA
The ATA represents more than 46,000 certificated members across Alberta, including teachers, substitute teachers, assistant principals, and principals. Locally, the ATA operates through regional bargaining units, but central terms must first be resolved provincially.
Our Commitment
We value the contributions of all employees who support student learning, and we respect the provincial bargaining process. We also understand this uncertainty is challenging for families. Please know our focus remains on welcoming students back to school and ensuring learning continues.
To keep families informed, we will:
- Provide regular updates on our Labour Relations webpage.
- Share new information directly via email and website when appropriate.
- Amplify updates on social media.
We are excited for the year ahead with our students, staff and families. We will keep you informed of any changes that may affect school operations.
