On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, Alberta Teachers Association president Jason Schilling officially informed the Alberta government, parents, teachers, and students about a planned strike. Edmonton Journal
Alberta’s government and the teachers’ union have reached a tentative agreement just before a planned strike. The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and the finance minister announced on Wednesday that they signed a Memorandum of Agreement.
Finance Minister Nate Horner said the deal came after the ATA made an offer last Friday to the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA). He added that both sides agreed on a tentative deal based on shared priorities. Teachers will vote online on the deal between Saturday and Monday.
ATA President Jason Schilling said teachers understand how important this vote is. “They recognize what is on the line with this vote and remain committed to an outcome that prioritizes the future of our public education system,” he said.
Labour expert Jason Foster from Athabasca University said it’s unclear how teachers will respond. “A lot will depend on what is in the deal. It probably has to be much better than the one they rejected back in May,” he said.
So far, neither the province nor the ATA has shared details about the agreement. Foster said teachers wanted clear promises on class size, classroom challenges, and resources. “I don’t think there’s going to be that kind of language in this deal,” he said. However, the deal might include small salary increases and perhaps free COVID-19 vaccines.
Foster added that the quietness from both sides shows they might be serious about the deal. “When parties stop talking to us and start talking to each other, it usually means they are close to an agreement,” he explained. Since late last week, talks have gone very quiet.
The ATA stated the deal covers salary and classroom challenges. It also promises to hire 3,000 more teachers over the next three years.
The agreement comes just two weeks before teachers planned to strike if no deal was reached. The ATA said teachers will strike on Oct. 6 if they reject this deal.
With uncertainty still high, Foster advised parents to keep backup plans ready.
The YMCA of Northern Alberta said it plans to offer full-day child care at all YMCA Out of School Care locations during any possible strike. They will also run limited day camps at their health and fitness centres in Edmonton.
Annalise Yuzda, vice-president of child care at YMCA, said, “So far, 1,564 children from our regular programs signed up to attend.” She added, “The YMCA is doing everything we can to support families if a strike happens.”
