Last Friday, the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) made an offer to the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA), to which both sides have tentatively agreed.
The agreement is based on shared priorities and Alberta teachers are currently being presented with the tentative agreement. Teachers will vote on the agreements terms online from 8 AM Saturday, September 27 until 5 PM Monday, September 29, with results published afterwards. Teachers will go on strike on October 6 in the absence of accepting a deal.
“My thanks to both parties for their work in developing a tentative agreement that reflects elements that are good for teachers and the education system, as a whole,” President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Nate Horner said in a TEBA-issued statement.
“Alberta’s government is investing nearly $10 billion, the largest investment in the province’s history, to support the province’s teachers and students. On top of that, we’re putting $8.6 billion into building and renovating over 130 schools so students have safe, modern spaces to learn. Alberta’s government has also committed to hiring 3,000 additional teachers to reduce class sizes and support student learning.”
If completed, this deal will form the basis for labour stability in the province, according to the statement, and will be a positive path forward for a successful school year for students.
“Out of respect for the ratification process, I won’t get into the specifics of the deal, but I will say the tentative agreement is strong on classroom investment,” Horner said.
ATA President Jason Schilling said that teachers do not take and will not make the upcoming decision lightly.
“They recognize what is on the line with this vote and remain committed to an outcome that prioritizes the future of our public education system,” he said in a statement.
Teachers had set a potential strike date of Oct. 6. Last week, after meeting with the province, the ATA’s bargaining chair had resigned. At that time, they had just been through a labour relations board meeting where a consent order was issued and the ATA had three areas they wanted addressed.
Additional information will not be published until after the ratification vote, according to the ATA.
