Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) president Jason Schilling has issued the following statement with regard to the province revising its ministerial orders exempting select students from in-person learning during the current Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) strikes:
“Changing some words on paper will not address the real problems being faced by students, particularly those who are vulnerable or who have complex learning needs. Instead of leading, the province has downloaded the responsibility onto school boards and, ultimately, school administrators to fix the resulting mess.
Giving school boards the ability to engage in meaningful bargaining with their employees is the necessary first step to resolving this conflict and restoring the learning supports that all students deserve and benefit from.”
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.