Bargaining is now complete in the last three ATA locals to be engaged in local negotiations for the round that extends back to September of 2020.
Teachers in two locals, Palliser and Red Deer Catholic, had approved strike votes earlier this year, but both were able to reach agreements before taking further labour action.
“We have not only concluded a very challenging and pressure-filled round of local bargaining, but we have also witnessed a remarkable display of resilience,” said Sean Brown, ATA coordinator of Teacher Employment Services in a speech to delegates at a recent ATA bargaining conference.
Teachers employed by Conseil Scolaire (CS) FrancoSud were the last to reach an agreement with their board, ratifying a deal on April 10. The board is expected to make its approval official on May 1.
Brown commended FrancoSud for completing their negotiations in just one month.
“This is a testament to their unwavering dedication and hard work, and it is truly inspiring,” he said.
Brown added that this most recent round of local bargaining was “undeniably one of the most arduous,” as the need for mediation was significantly higher than in previous rounds.
“The reason for accessing mediation at many tables was not just to finalize the last one or two items, but to address deep-rooted problems with the relationship between teachers and employers,” he said.
Strikes averted
On April 8, Palliser teachers voted 64 per cent in favour of a mediator’s recommended terms of settlement.
“This was a challenging and protracted round of bargaining,” said Palliser local president Natalie Townshend. “We are relieved that an agreement could be concluded without interruption to schools, but the school division has some work to do to repair relations with its teachers. The local is prepared to work collaboratively with the board toward this.”
The board has also ratified the terms of settlement.
Mediated terms were also needed for an agreement in Red Deer Catholic, but teachers and the board both ratified their agreement in late March.
“There are certainly mixed emotions, I would say,” local president Sara Lambert told the Red Deer Advocate. “I think teachers understood that the difference between bargaining and relationship is substantial. It does not alleviate some of the challenges teachers and the board are still facing.” ❚
