Attempts to reach a mediated settlement between teachers and the Edmonton School Division have failed and the Alberta Teachers’ Association has asked the government appointed mediator to write out of the dispute opening the door to hold a strike vote in the new year.
The mediator’s exit in the process would kick off a legislated two-week cooling-off period, after which the ATA can hold a strike vote, or the school division can hold a lockout vote. Edmonton Public teachers will be applying to the Labour Relations Board to hold a strike vote in early to mid-January.
“Low-cost options are available to resolve this dispute, but the school board is too focused on maintaining their own administrative interests. Consider online learning: given the option to improve learning and working conditions for students and teachers, the school board instead chooses to focus on their own needs. Teachers feel left with no other option but to seek a strike mandate.”
—Heather Quinn, president of Edmonton Public Teachers Local No 37
On Sunday, December 10, 2023, 85 per cent of teachers who gathered at a bargaining meeting voted to turn down a proposed settlement expressing disappointment in the employer’s unwillingness to address teachers’ concerns.
Quinn said teachers at the meeting rejected the proposed settlement because it doesn’t address issues related to calendar development, off-schedule compensation, substitute teachers and the working conditions of online teachers.
“This latest settlement offer, just like the initial one, was unacceptable. Teachers discussed the proposal and the issues thoroughly. They feel their asks are reasonable and inexpensive, and the unwillingness of the board to consider them is a significant sign of disrespect.
—Heather Quinn, president of Edmonton Public Teachers Local No 37
After a strike vote is held and approved, the ATA would have up to 120 days to initiate strike action. Labour action, up to and including a strike, would only commence after a 72-hour notice is provided to the school division. The Association remains open to resolution with the employer, however, teachers have clearly demonstrated their desire to move to the next step.
Collective bargaining for teachers in Alberta is a two-phase process where matters of significant cost and broad impact are negotiated at a central table, followed by local negotiations between individual school divisions and ATA bargaining units on other, more locally specific, matters.
Teachers in Edmonton Public have been working without a finalized collective agreement since September 2020.
The Alberta Teachers’ Association is the professional association of teachers in Alberta and acts as the bargaining agent for all teachers employed in public, separate and francophone school divisions. The Edmonton School Division employs approximately 7,000 contracted and substitute teachers in public schools in Edmonton.
For more information, or to arrange an interview with Heather Quinn, contact the Edmonton Public Teachers Local at 780-455-2164.