While negotiations between the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and the province remain in limbo, teachers are gearing up to take to the picket line. On Tuesday, strike vote results were released by the ATA showing that 94.5 per cent of teachers are in favour of striking. Nearly 39,000 teachers took to the virtual polls from June 5 to 8. Only 1,522 voted against going toward a strike. “For too long, teachers have been propping up a system that is under-resourced and overburdened. We are expected to do more with less every year,” said ATA president Jason Schilling. “The government needs to act now, because Alberta’s kids can’t wait. The future of public education — our future — depends on it.” Teachers have 120 days to take action unless a resolution is made between the provincial government’s Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) and the ATA. This means that if an agreement isn’t made over the summer, the beginning of the school year could be impacted come September. Provincial Executive Council will meet on Thursday and Friday to determine next steps “given the new enhanced mandate” teachers have provided, says the ATA website. The ATA has two meetings scheduled with the TEBA this month and more may be scheduled in August if needed. The ATA rejected a mediator’s recommendations for a new provincial collective agreement last month. The recommendations included a general wage increase of three per cent per year, a process for teachers to deal with classroom complexities and $400 million in classroom improvements. Following the rejection, the ATA initiated a strike authorization vote to gauge the temperature of its members. Nearly all who voted were in favour of going to a strike vote. Some of the ATA’s demands include wage increases and supports to address complex needs in crowded classrooms. “Alberta’s government has tremendous respect for teachers, principals, system leaders and school divisions for their ongoing hard work inspiring and guiding students,” said Finance Minister Nate Horner in a statement. The ministry said the rejected mediator’s recommendation included the same 12 per cent over four years general wage increase, grid harmonization for teachers throughout the province, increases between three and six per cent in northern incentives and “significant” market adjustments for teachers. The recommendation also included a government commitment of more than $400 million in classroom improvements. Wing Li, communications director of Support Our Students said teachers are sending a strong message to provincial leadership. “This is a united message from our educators,” said Lee. “There’s been a lot of outpouring public support too because we know that classroom conditions have deteriorated.” “This strike vote is really sending a message to the public about just how bad things are in the education system.” Support Our Students is a non-partisan public education advocacy organization with chapters across Alberta. A statement from Edmonton Catholic Schools said it is hopeful for a resolution. “We respect the essential role of teachers in our schools. We also respect the collective bargaining process and remain hopeful that a resolution will be reached without disruption to teaching and learning.”
