Supporting Alberta’s teachers and students - September 30, 2025
Teachers set to hit the picket lines Oct. 6, government remains hopeful an agreement can be reached
EDMONTON — Alberta teachers are set to walk off the job Monday, Oct. 6, after nearly 90 per cent of union members rejected the province’s latest tentative agreement.
At noon Tuesday, Premier Danielle Smith, flanked by Finance Minister Nate Horner and Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides, faced reporters to discuss the rejected contract and outline next steps for the United Conservative government.
Smith said she was disappointed teachers have now rejected two settlements, including one recommended to members by the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA).
“To say I’m disappointed is an understatement,” she said. “Teachers have now rejected two contract settlements that reflected positions the union either proposed or supported as workable solutions to the interests of their members.”
The agreement rejected Monday included a 12 per cent wage increase over four years, with some salaries boosted up to 17 per cent through grid adjustments. It also promised 3,000 new teachers, additional support staff and measures to address classroom complexity. Smith called it “very generous” and “the highest general wage increase proposed in over a decade.”
ATA president Jason Schilling said the vote is a clear sign the offer did not meet teachers’ needs. “That’s not confusion, that’s clarity,” he said. “That is our members clearly telling the government that this is not good enough.”
He said teachers are seeking raises that reflect inflation and working conditions that prevent burnout. “With the way that classrooms are now, teachers are burning out and they’re leaving the profession,” he said. While no further bargaining sessions are scheduled, Schilling said “bargaining is always open,” even during a strike.
Alberta unveils support plan for parents and students
To support families during the labour action, the government announced payments of $30 per day, or $150 per week, for each child under 12 in public, separate and francophone schools. The program is expected to cost about $1 million per day. Payments will be retroactive to the start of the strike, with the first instalments scheduled for Oct. 31. Families can apply through an Alberta.ca verified account.
“I’m disappointed that ATA members have rejected the settlement, choosing instead to go on strike,” Smith said. “Students and families need to know we will support them during this time of uncertainty, so we are releasing our plan today to provide payments directly to families and to support at-home student learning.”
The province also introduced a free online learning toolkit aligned with the K-12 curriculum in English, French and French immersion. Nicolaides said the resource, which covers language arts, math, science and social studies, is designed to ease pressure on families and “keep students engaged.”
What’s next
Horner said the province is prepared to return to the bargaining table but questioned whether the ATA leadership understands what its members want. “With two failed ratification votes, I am left questioning whether the union fully understands what their members are seeking,” he said. “Our government is ready, willing and able to head back to the bargaining table at any time.”
Opposition New Democrats blamed the UCP for pushing Alberta’s schools to a breaking point. “This UCP government continues to insult teachers with an offer that does not meet their needs or improve classroom conditions,” said Amanda Chapman, NDP education critic. “It is disappointing the UCP government has let it get to this point and now thousands of Alberta teachers will hit the picket lines, while parents are scrambling to make arrangements, and our kids’ learning is put on hold.”
Chapman said the province has underfunded schools for years and must “come back to the table to negotiate in good faith and offer a deal that works to ensure Alberta teachers are valued and treated fairly.”
Horner disagrees, saying “It is time for the ATA to take their proposal back to the drawing board, and I would encourage the ATA to go back to their members and gain some much-needed clarity on what their members want. When the ATA is ready, when TEBA is ready, we can get back at this” with the caveat, “as long as the ATA is able to articulate a clear position for settlement.”
The government said it will proceed with $100 million annually for three years to hire 1,500 new educational assistants and allow boards to direct remaining funds to additional supports. Smith said the province is also expanding schools and staffing but cannot commit to firm class size caps until more space is available.
Meanwhile both the Fort McMurray Public Schools and Catholic Schools say doors will be closed to students on Monday unless something changes. With both sides unclear what the other side wants, many parents are bracing for a long work stoppage.
Comments