ATA seeks member input on central table bargaining
The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) wants to hear from members on central table bargaining.
From April 15 to April 30, Alberta teachers and school leaders will have the opportunity to share their thoughts on the communications and process for the last two rounds of central bargaining through an ATA member survey. With individualized links being sent to members, this survey aims to create space for direct and honest feedback.
ATA president Jason Schilling said member participation is critical to ensuring that the bargaining process reflects the profession’s needs and that members, individually and collectively, can stay aware and engaged in matters that affect their future.
“Our strength as an Association comes directly from our members,” Schilling said.
“This is an important space for teachers and school leaders to share their experiences and help shape how we move forward.”
Those who have not received a survey link from Simply Voting are encouraged to verify their email address and ensure they are subscribed to ATA communications.
Additional support is available throughout the survey window for members who need help accessing or completing the survey.
The survey is one of several ways the Association is gathering member feedback. A cross-section of about 100 members will be selected to participate in a focus group that will delve deeper into the survey’s questions. Members can express their interest in participating by emailing government@ata.ab.ca and including the subject line “Additional Survey.”
This information-gathering process is being overseen by the Central Table Bargaining Review Committee 2020 and 2024, an ad hoc committee established to review the processes, policies and practices in place during the last two bargaining rounds. The committee—composed of seven teachers and school leaders and cochaired by an external labour relations expert—will review the research findings and report back to Provincial Executive Council later this year.
Member input is also being collected on an ongoing basis through meetings, conferences and events, including the ATA’s upcoming Collective Bargaining Conference.
“Bargaining outcomes affect every teacher in the province,” Schilling said. “It’s essential that members see themselves in the process and know their voices are being heard.”
Did you know? Central table bargaining for teachers was established under the Public Education Collective Bargaining Act, which came into force on January 1, 2016. The legislation introduced a bilevel model, with central matters negotiated at a provincial table and local issues addressed through local bargaining. |
Survey support
Did you receive your Bargaining Review survey link from Simply Voting yet? If not, please contact 1-800-232-7208 for support.
