Alberta gives approval for a teacher lockout as talks with ATA stall. CTV News
Alberta’s provincial government has approved the option to lock teachers out of work if a strike occurs. The Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA), which handles negotiations with teachers, voted 47 to 13 in favour of a lockout. Labour Board approval is now required before any action can take place.
The Office of the Treasury Board and Finance said the lockout would only be used if union actions threaten students or families. “Our hope is that TEBA will not have to use it,” officials said.
Lockout Rules
If TEBA proceeds, they could enforce a lockout for up to 120 days. Teachers would receive 72 hours’ notice before any action. The move is seen as a way to pressure negotiations and encourage a settlement.
Negotiations at a Standstill
Bargaining between the province and the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) stopped Thursday. Finance Minister Nate Horner said Friday the province’s latest offer is final. “We’re talking about a 12 per cent general wage increase for every teacher and 95 per cent of teachers would get up to 17 per cent, that’s what’s on the table,” Horner said. He warned the province may not afford a higher offer due to a $6.5 billion deficit.
Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said teachers shifted their focus to wages after initially requesting more funding, supports, and improved conditions. He stressed the government will not “play politics with our kids.” The province has promised a 12 per cent pay increase and 3,000 new teachers over three years.
Union Response
Jason Schilling, ATA president, said the union still hopes for a deal without job action. “Ideally, we’d like to see a negotiated settlement that doesn’t involve any kind of job action,” he said. He warned that hiring new teachers barely keeps up with population growth and does not reduce class sizes.
Schilling highlighted teacher retention issues. “When half of new teachers leave within the first five years, the message is clear: the education system in Alberta is unsustainable,” he said. He also rejected claims that the union is politicizing the situation, saying, “The reality is teachers lack the support they need, and their salaries are falling behind. That’s not politicizing, it’s telling the truth.”
Strike Timeline
In June, 94 per cent of teachers voted in favour of a strike. They have until Oct. 7 to act, giving 72 hours’ notice before walking out. Some students have returned to school, while others are scheduled to start next week.
