Teachers across the province voted to reject the Mediator’s Recommendations for a new Provincial Collective Agreement.
A record-breaking, nearly 36,000 members of the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) voted between May 2-5, with 62 per cent of educators voting ‘No.’
“Alberta teachers are deeply committed to their work and to ensuring every student learns in strong, supportive conditions—conditions this government must urgently improve,” said Jason Schilling, ATA President.
Teachers are now entering a 14-day cooling-off period and will meet to discuss the next steps.
A strike authorization vote will be held, and if passed, a formal strike vote will take place.
Teachers will have 120 days to initiate a strike, but the parties can continue to find a resolution.
“Change is needed for students, for classrooms, and for public education in Alberta,” Schilling said.
Negotiations between teachers and the province went to mediation in January, with a set of recommended terms for a settlement being released for both sides' approval.