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Union says talks stalled until concerns are taken more seriously; ATA to hold member webinars next week
EDMONTON — Alberta’s finance minister says the province remains committed to reaching a fair deal with teachers, but criticized union leadership for refusing to continue talks.
Treasury Board president and Finance Minister Nate Horner said Friday the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association proposed a settlement on Aug. 26 that included a hiring commitment for 3,000 new teachers over three years, as requested by the Alberta Teachers’ Association. He added the offer matched compensation levels previously recommended by the union.
“The cost of the current proposed deal over the full term is over $2.3 billion, which includes substantial raises for teachers,” Horner said in a statement. “While the general wage increase is 12 per cent over four years, just like the other negotiated deals with the nurses and public sector workers, over 95 per cent of teachers would receive more through market adjustments.”
Horner said the government faces a forecasted $6.5-billion deficit, Alberta’s first in five years, but stressed the province was prepared to make room for the cost of new hires.
He also pointed to a recent ATA news release warning public education is at risk, saying union leaders could resolve the impasse by returning to the table. “Refusing to bargain now is not an effective labour relations strategy and is unfair to all teachers across Alberta,” Horner said.
The ATA has said talks are off until the government shows it is taking teachers’ concerns more seriously. In the meantime, the union’s bargaining unit will host two webinars to update members on negotiations, next steps and answer questions. The online sessions are scheduled for Sept. 10 at 4:30 p.m. and Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. A recorded version will be posted for members unable to attend live.
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