Many teachers in Alberta are expressing dissatisfaction with the latest contract proposal put forth by their employers and union, indicating that it may not be sufficient to avert a potential strike. Edmonton educator Melissa Harmsma is one of those voicing opposition to the offer, citing concerns over the proposed 12% wage increase spread across four years.
Harmsma highlighted that while the consumer price index in Alberta surged by nearly 21% over the past six years, teachers’ salaries only saw a 3.8% increase during the same period. According to her, the current offer falls short of restoring teachers’ purchasing power to previous levels and fails to factor in future inflation.
The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) has presented the tentative agreement to its members for consideration but has not officially endorsed it. One notable inclusion in the offer is the government’s commitment to fund an additional 1,000 net new teachers over the next three school years, which is estimated to cost the provincial government $750 million.
Furthermore, the proposal also entails allocating resources for 1,500 more educational assistant positions by August 2028. While Finance Minister Nate Horner emphasized the investment in classrooms and the potential for labor stability, teachers like Stephen Merredew from Red Deer expressed concerns about growing class sizes and inadequate staffing in certain regions.
Jason Schilling, the ATA president, acknowledged the challenges faced by teachers and emphasized the need for additional resources to address classroom needs effectively. However, the offer has faced resistance from various teachers, including former ATA vice-president Peter MacKay, who criticized the government for underfunding education and its impact on working conditions.
In the event of a strike, teachers would need to forgo their daily pay and could potentially face financial repercussions. The ATA has emphasized the importance of member solidarity and support from the community in negotiating a favorable resolution. Teachers are set to vote on the proposed contract starting Saturday, with the results expected to be announced by Monday evening.
