Another school year comes to an end. Another year of accomplishments, trials, joys and struggles. In many ways, this year was the same as any other. For better or worse, though, it also stands out from the rest given where we are in bargaining.
Back in fall 2024, I wrote on how much stronger we are together. I spoke on the challenges that lay in front of us and the crucial need for us as a profession to harness the power of unity. Well, here we are. Unity is truly vital right now.
Over the past six weeks or so, teachers have made their voices heard by rejecting the mediator’s recommended terms of settlement and by endorsing strike action, with 99 per cent voting “yes” in the strike authorization vote. This marks the first time since moving to central table bargaining that teachers are considering provincewide strike action.
A strike is never the first choice. In an ideal world, both sides at the bargaining table will reach an agreement that is reasonable, fair and mutually favorable. When that ideal isn’t attained, however, unified action is necessary. And now, we must stand together in our call for respect. We must demand respect not only for ourselves as teaching professionals, but also for our students and for public education.
Public education in Alberta has been chronically underfunded. Class size and complexity have increased. New curriculum and assessments have been pressed into schools. Collectively, these have slowly but surely eroded our working conditions, which are our students’ learning conditions. We will stand together, and we will speak with one voice against the erosion of the public education system.
What we do next matters, and I encourage you to stay informed on where we are in the bargaining process by signing up for members’ updates and checking out the ATA’s website for the latest information. We are always hopeful that a fair agreement can be reached—that is always the ideal. Know that whatever next steps we take, though, we take them side by side.
My colleagues, let us move forward—not with fear, but with determination. Not with doubt, but with resolve. Always remember that all of us are in this together—standing together for respect, standing together for our students, standing together for a vibrant future for public education in Alberta.
Even as another school year ends, another one lies on the horizon. Let us look forward with hope, strength and solidarity. ❚
ATA President
