Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) members cast their vote on a proposed central table settlement for the 2024 round of bargaining.
From May 2–5, members voted on the mediator’s report that included all previously agreed-upon items between the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) and the ATA Central Table Bargaining Committee (CTBC). The vote followed a month’s worth of member information meetings and communications aimed at ensuring members had the information they required to make an informed choice.
Central table bargaining began in early 2024, guided by feedback from teachers collected through a provincewide survey. That input helped shape the initial proposal that served as the starting point for negotiations with TEBA. In fall 2024, after it became apparent that the two sides would need support to address those issues with significant cost and complexity from the initial proposal, both parties agreed to bring in a mediator for assistance on these crucial items.
After the mediator’s recommendation received support from CTBC and Provincial Executive Council, it was shared with members on March 31. The decision to accept or reject the proposed terms of settlement then rested with the ATA’s membership.
The results of the vote, as well as other information related to central table bargaining, are available on the ATA website. ❚
Members of Bargaining Unit Teacher Welfare committees gathered on April 25–26 in Calgary for the Collective Bargaining Conference. The conference included a presentation on the status of collective bargaining from Sean Brown, the ATA’s chief negotiator. Highlights from his presentation are below. On the importance of solidarity “There’s a sharpness to the conversation right now that is cutting deep — not just into issues, but into people. … but aiming that anger at each other will not make us stronger … it will not fix what’s broken.” On why the mediator’s recommendations and Budget 2025 matter “For the first time in a generation, there is a real opportunity to start addressing these issues at the systemic level.” On the responsibility of leadership during the ratification process (quoting economist Thomas Sowell) “When you want to help people, you tell them the truth. When you want to help yourself, you tell them what they want to hear.” On setting boundaries and practices for self-care “You cannot give what you no longer have.” |
