Alberta Negotiator Files Complaint Against Teachers’ Union Claims

The provincial negotiator representing Alberta has lodged a formal complaint with the Alberta Labour Relations Board (LRB) against the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA). The complaint accuses the union of disseminating misleading information to the public, parents, and students regarding ongoing contract negotiations. Finance Minister Nate Horner announced the action on Monday, stating that a document circulated to ATA members contains “intentionally misleading” claims.

Horner highlighted a specific assertion in the document that suggests the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) lacks the authority to negotiate critical issues, including class complexity, class size, and support for students. “The document falsely claims that the TEBA does not have the mandate to negotiate on important issues,” Horner remarked in a statement. He emphasized that the only remaining point of contention in the negotiations is the union’s demand for additional salary increases.

The ATA has indicated that if an agreement is not reached by October 6, 2023, teachers across the province will initiate a strike. In response to these developments, the provincial government has proposed the hiring of 3,000 new teachers over a three-year period, with an estimated cost of $750 million.

According to Horner, “The parties are no longer disputing negotiations on that point.” The government has put forth an offer that includes a salary increase of at least 12 percent over four years, with over 95 percent of teachers expected to benefit from a market adjustment. Horner asserts that this proposal would yield the most favorable deal for teachers in all of Western Canada.

In light of what Horner described as an “inaccurate” document from the ATA, TEBA has opted to escalate the matter by filing a complaint with the LRB. “The Alberta Labour Relations Board received our complaint today, asking the ATA and its president Jason Schilling to immediately retract their false claims and to stop using Alberta’s students and families for leverage in a bargaining dispute,” he said.

The ATA has been contacted for comment regarding the complaint and the statements made by the provincial negotiator. As the situation unfolds, the ongoing discussions remain critical for both teachers and the education system in Alberta, highlighting the tensions inherent in public sector negotiations.

Public reaction to the developments shows a mix of support for teachers’ rights and concern over the impact of a potential strike on students and families. The stakes are high as both sides seek to resolve their differences before the looming deadline.