Many teachers in Alberta are expressing dissatisfaction with the most recent contract proposal put forth by their employers and union, indicating a potential for strike action. Edmonton educator, Melissa Harmsma, is one of those who intend to reject the contract offer, with voting scheduled for 51,000 Alberta Teachers’ Association members starting this Saturday.
Harmsma described the proposed 12% wage increase over four years as inadequate, highlighting that while the consumer price index in Alberta has surged by nearly 21% in the past six years, teacher pay has only risen by about 3.8%. She emphasized that the current offer fails to restore teachers’ purchasing power to previous levels from a decade ago, let alone factor in future inflation.
The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) has made it clear that they are not endorsing the offer but are presenting it to teachers for their consideration. One notable aspect of the proposal is the government’s commitment to funding 1,000 net new teachers over the next three school years, which the ATA estimates will cost the province $750 million over the same period.
Moreover, the offer includes a promise to finance an additional 1,500 educational assistant positions across Alberta by August 2028. Finance Minister Nate Horner emphasized the proposal’s focus on investing in classrooms, expressing optimism that if approved, the deal could pave the way for labor stability in the province and a successful academic year for students.
Many educators, like junior high teacher Stephen Merredew from Red Deer, are concerned about growing class sizes attributed to an insufficient provincial school funding formula and delays in constructing new schools. Merredew expressed skepticism that rural areas or smaller cities might not benefit from the proposed additional teachers, underscoring the need for tangible improvements in learning conditions within contractual agreements.
The ATA’s plan for a potential strike on October 6 in the absence of a deal has raised concerns about the unprecedented magnitude of such action within Alberta’s educational and labor history. The union has outlined the potential consequences and strategies in a fact sheet to its members, emphasizing the importance of member solidarity and public support in pressuring the government to resolve the situation promptly.
Online voting on the proposed contract begins this Saturday at 8 a.m. for ATA members, with the announcement of the voting results expected at approximately 6:15 p.m. on Monday.