The possibility of a provincewide teachers’ strike in Alberta remains uncertain as negotiations between the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) continue into the final weeks of summer.
St. Albert school divisions are already preparing for potential disruptions while maintaining optimism that an agreement will be reached.
Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools said in an emailed statement that they are “closely monitoring ongoing negotiations” and remain “hopeful that negotiations between ATA and TEBA will be successful.”
The division said it will keep families informed of any changes to the school calendar, extracurricular activities or supports through its website, email notifications and social media.
“We thank our families, students, and staff for their continued understanding and support as we work to ensure a smooth start to the school year,” the statement read.
St. Albert Public Schools Superintendent Krimsen Sumners said all school boards have been asked to create contingency plans in case job action occurs, and these plans will be shared if needed.
“I think we’re optimistic that an agreement can be reached through ongoing negotiations. I think both the ATA and TEBA are eager to get a deal,” Sumners said.
She said that the public should view the current situation as part of the normal collective bargaining process.
“We don’t want anybody panicking. I think we want folks to understand that this is kind of a normal part of the bargaining process, and we will take the necessary steps when the time comes, if it comes,” she said.
Sumners said the division is committed to keeping families informed through its regular communication channels.
“Once we’re back at school, there will be updates posted, there will be information shared. We’re not wanting anybody to feel like they’re out of the loop or not included,” she said. “I don’t think anybody wants to start the year in a disrupted space.”
Sumners added that despite the uncertainty, her division is looking forward to the fall.
“We’re excited to start the school year,” said Sumners. "Hopefully, we can get through this labour negotiation. We’ve got lots of amazing things happening in the division, and I think there’s lots of opportunities for great things to happen this year.”
The ATA announced on June 10 that 95 per cent of its members had voted in favour of a strike after rejecting a mediator’s recommended settlement. This vote gives the association a 120-day legal window to initiate strike action, which could include a full strike, rotating strikes or a work-to-rule campaign where teachers withdraw voluntary services.
If they authorize a strike, they must give 72 hours' notice to the employer. Negotiations between the two parties are scheduled to resume from Aug. 26 to 29.
TEBA has also applied to the Alberta Labour Relations Board to hold a lockout vote on Aug. 29, which would allow an employer-initiated work stoppage.
The government’s rejected offer included a 12 per cent wage increase over four years and more than $400 million in classroom improvements.
ATA president Jason Schilling said teachers are looking to address critical classroom and compensation issues.
“Teachers are looking for improvements to class size, to the supports that our students with very complex needs are not getting,” Schilling said. “Teachers are also wanting to see increases to their wages so that they make up for lost inflation and keep up with current inflation as we move forward.”
Schilling added that teachers’ actions are aimed at strengthening Alberta’s education system.
“Public education is a system that is in crisis, so the more stability we can give it the better off we are,” he said. “Teachers are taking a stand for the defence of public education and their students.”
