Alberta teachers and their employers have come to a tentative agreement that may prevent a strike in the province’s schools, as announced by Finance Minister Nate Horner. The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA), representing 51,000 public, Catholic, and francophone school teachers, had threatened to go on strike on October 6 if a resolution could not be reached with their employers.
Horner stated on Wednesday morning that if approved, this agreement would lay the groundwork for labor stability in the province, setting a positive direction for a successful academic year for students. The ATA is yet to release an official statement but has scheduled voting on the proposed deal from Saturday to Monday. Information sessions for ATA members are planned for Thursday and Friday.
Details of the tentative agreement have not been disclosed by the government. Horner emphasized that respecting the ratification process prevents him from divulging specifics but highlighted the agreement’s focus on investing in the classroom.
Earlier in June, ATA members voted overwhelmingly, with a 95% approval for a potential strike. The association cited concerns over large class sizes, a rise in students with diverse needs, insufficient support, and comparatively low wages as significant issues. The government has made a commitment to hire an additional 3,000 teachers over the next three years to address these concerns.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.