Labour Relations Update, September 2, 2025
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.
Update: June 12, 2025
The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) recently voted to strike, and this news may raise many questions and concerns for you about your student’s education. We understand this is a dynamic situation, and our Division leadership is committed to keeping you informed every step of the way.
For the next 120 days, the ATA may legally commence a strike after providing 72 hours notice of the date, time, and initial location of the strike. The two groups currently negotiating are the ATA and the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA). Palliser School Division’s board and administration are not part of these negotiations. Therefore, we are not able to offer predictions about how the negotiations or potential strike action might unfold. We also understand that the ATA and TEBA will continue to negotiate and the parties have scheduled to return to mediation on June 19-20 with additional dates at the end of August should they be required. We are hopeful for a resolution.
Should there be a strike by the ATA, there are various forms of job action. This could include "work to rule" (which means the withdrawal of voluntary services outside of regular duties), rotating strikes, or a full, division-wide strike.
During this time, our administration will be preparing contingency plans for likely scenarios. Our absolute priority will remain supporting the safety and well-being of our students and minimizing disruption to our families' routines.
We also want to acknowledge the incredible dedication of all Palliser School Division staff, and we appreciate their continued professionalism during this uncertain time.
We will provide more detailed information regarding potential impacts on school operations, student learning, and extracurricular activities as soon as a specific strike notice is received or as our contingency plans are solidified. All official updates will be posted on our website at https://www.pallisersd.ab.ca/teacher-bargaining-school-impact-updates
Should we need to take important and immediate action, the Division will share information by e-mail or through our text/call-out system.
Sincerely,
Palliser School Division Senior Administration