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Education

Lethbridge School Division provides negotiations update between TEBA and ATA

Jun 10, 2025 | 5:20 PM

Lethbridge School Division is providing an update on the current status of the provincial collective bargaining process involving teachers.

“We recognize many in the community have questions about what may unfold in the coming weeks and months,” reads a statement from Lethbridge School Division. “While the Division does not have all the answers at this time, we are committed to providing information as it becomes available and supporting our school communities as we navigate this period of uncertainty together.”

“To provide some background,” the statement continues, “the collective agreement with teachers expired in August of 2024. Since then, negotiations at the provincial level have been ongoing between the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) which represents government and school authorities. Lethbridge School Division and the local ATA are not directly involved in those negotiations.”

“In late March, a mediator recommended a settlement. However, the proposed agreement was not ratified provincially by teachers,” the statement goes on to say. “Today, the Division was notified approximately 94.5 % of participating teachers across the province voted yes to potential job action in an official strike vote. This means the provincial ATA now has 120 days to initiate job action unless a resolution is reached.”

“Per the Alberta Labour Relations Board, the ATA must provide 72 hours of notice before taking job action,” the statement continues. “Job action could include work to rule (which means withdrawal of voluntary services outside of regular duties), rotating strikes or a full strike.”

“At this time, the Division has not received details about possible job action and how that might impact our schools. If those details are received, the Division will share that information as soon as possible,” reads the statement. “It is also important to note that even with a strike vote, both parties can continue negotiating in hopes of reaching an agreement. The ATA and TEBA have committed to meeting and continuing to negotiate.”

“We understand this uncertainty can create concern and worry,” the statement acknowledges. “Please know we remain focused on supporting our students and school communities and will provide you with updates as new information emerges.”

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