In Alberta, the value placed on teachers and their essential role in our education system is immense. The province’s government is dedicated to ensuring teachers receive fair treatment and support.

However, recent discussions between the Alberta Teacher Association (ATA) and the government have hit a roadblock. ATA President Jason Schilling has expressed frustration, stating that talks will remain stalled until the government takes teacher concerns seriously.

This summer, discussions took place to generate proposals aiming for a tentative agreement. One notable proposal from the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) included hiring 3,000 new teachers over the next three school years, which could help address growing class sizes and the complexity of teaching in today’s classrooms.

The cost associated with hiring these teachers would be approximately $750 million over three years, yet the benefit could be significant, particularly for elementary education—a priority for many teachers.

Current proposals aim for a total agreement value of over $2.3 billion, which includes promising salary increases. Most teachers could see a wage bump of 12% over the next four years, depending on their specific roles and regions.

Despite facing a $6.5 billion deficit this year—the first in five years—the government remains committed to finding a fair solution. The ATA warns that public education could be at risk without a resolution, emphasizing the need for effective bargaining strategies that consider the well-being of both teachers and students.

As union leaders reassess their approaches, TEBA is eager to return to negotiations to ensure a fair outcome that satisfies teachers, families, and taxpayers alike.