Today, the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) is filing an Alberta Labour Relations Board complaint of unfair bargaining practices, including bad faith bargaining, against the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA). In addition, 61 grievances have been filed—one in every bargaining unit across the province—regarding TEBA’s and employers’ interpretation of the Recruitment of Teachers Letter of Understanding.
“The government now says the 3,000 net new teachers promised during bargaining were already included in the 2025 budget. That was never part of the conversation during bargaining, especially when the government insisted they gave teachers what they asked for.”
ATA president Jason Schilling
During the bargaining process, the Government of Alberta attempted to drive a wedge between teachers and the ATA. Comments from government officials publicly questioned the ATA’s motives and misrepresented its actions, undermining its credibility with members and interfering with its rights to represent members.
“This is not simply a misunderstanding. It is a breach of good faith. It is a misrepresentation that affected the decisions made at the bargaining table and the understanding of Albertans.”
ATA president Jason Schilling
The ATA is seeking remedies, including a declaration that the 1,000 net new teachers per year must be funded and hired over and above the 2025 fiscal plan and an order compelling TEBA to fulfill that obligation for the 2025/26 school year. The ATA will continue to hold the government to its commitments, to its words, and to the standards Albertans expect and deserve. It must be held accountable.
The Alberta Teachers’ Association, as the professional organization of teachers, promotes and advances public education, supports teachers’ professional practice, and serves as the advocate for its 51,000 members.