ATA President Jason Schilling comments on the rejection of a recommended deal between Alberta's teachers and school boards. (Photo: Alberta Teachers' Association)

By David Opinko

updated with comments from province

Alberta teachers reject proposed agreement

May 6, 2025 | 1:27 PM

Educators in Alberta could be in a position to potentially strike in the weeks ahead.

The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) says voter turnout for a new proposed deal with the province and school boards reached a new record, with nearly 36,000 members casting ballots.

Approximately 62 per cent of teachers voted to reject the mediator’s recommendation for a collective agreement.

ATA President Jason Schilling says there are “significant concerns” regarding the increasing complexity of Alberta’s classrooms and that the recommended deal failed to adequately address those concerns.

“Alberta teachers are deeply committed to their work and to ensuring every student learns in strong, supportive conditions—conditions this government must urgently improve,” says Schilling.

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There will now be a 14-day cooling period where the ATA will discuss its next steps, which will end with a strike authorization vote.

If teachers approve the strike authorization, they would have 120 days to potentially hit the picket lines.

Schilling says the parties may continue to seek a resolution in the meantime.

“Change is needed for students, for classrooms and for public education in Alberta.”

A mediator stepped in back in January in hopes of resolving long-standing issues between Alberta’s educators and school boards.

Pattison Media has received a statement from the office of Alberta Finance Minister Nate Horner on the rejection of the proposed collective agreement:

“I am disappointed that the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) members did not accept the mediator’s recommendation for a four-year central agreement.

This agreement would have provided $405 million in new classroom improvements that teachers would have had input on. This initiative would have started in the 2025/2026 school year with a $125 million investment.

The offer also included a 12% general wage increase over four years already accepted by other unions and their members, as well as salary increases based on a new common pay grid for all teachers in the province.

There were also increases offered for northern allowance and up to a 20% pay increase for substitute teachers, as well as benefit improvements.

I hope the ATA will soon return to the bargaining table so that we can continue to work towards the best deal for students, families and parents.”

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