Supporting Our Schools During the ATA-TEBA Negotiations

Alberta’s teachers and the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) have been negotiating a new provincial contract since last year. The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) has announced a strike set to begin on Monday, October 6, 2025, unless an agreement is reached. This dispute covers teacher salaries, hiring, and working conditions.

It’s important to understand that local school boards have very little involvement in these central negotiations. TEBA represents all public, separate, and Francophone school boards, and the central bargaining happens at the provincial level. Local boards do not negotiate these agreements directly. Once a central agreement is in place, boards can participate in local bargaining to address matters specific to their schools.

If the strike proceeds, all

schools will be closed to students. Non-striking staff, such as educational assistants and custodians, may continue to work, but instructional activities will be paused. Families should also anticipate cancellations of extracurricular programs and school events.

As your Trustee, my focus remains on strong governance. This means being accountable, transparent, and responsive to families and staff. While we cannot control central bargaining outcomes, we ensure our schools stay safe, stable, and supportive environments where every student can learn and grow.

If re-elected, I will continue to prioritize student learning, community engagement, and faith-centered education. Even during challenges like a strike, my goal is to keep our schools guided by clear principles, strong oversight, and the needs of the families we serve.

For the latest updates on the strike, it’s important to monitor communications from the ATA, TEBA, and ecsd.net