Contract negotiations: Moving toward major disruptions

Negotiations between teachers and their employers continue in earnest across Alberta as the possibility of a teacher strike looms. In essence, local and bargaining agent negotiations are giving way to mediation, and mediation is leading quickly to strike votes.

As of press time, Friday, January 11, 2002, four bargaining units of the Alberta Teachers' Association had held strike votes, seven had applied to the Labour Relations Board for the taking of strike votes and another 21 were in mediation.

Commenting on the progress of contract negotiations, ATA president Larry Booi said, "After attending meetings of many bargaining units, I can say that I have never been so impressed by the solidarity and commitment of Alberta's teachers. Across the province, teachers are sending the clear message that they are no longer prepared to accept classroom conditions that do not allow them to meet the needs of students and salaries that do not reflect their important contribution to society. They are also stating clearly that they are prepared to take whatever action is necessary to bring about the needed changes."

The following bargaining units are now in a position to commence strike action by providing 72 hours notice:

  • Black Gold Regional Division No. 18 (teachers voted 95 percent in favour)
  • Edmonton School District No. 7 (94.5 percent)
  • Elk Island Public Schools Regional Division No. 14 (97.3 percent)
  • Livingstone Range School Division No. 68 (88 percent)

Bargaining units that have applied for the taking of a strike vote are as follows:

  • Chinook's Edge School Division No. 73
  • Grande Prairie Roman Catholic Separate School District No. 28
  • Grande Prairie School District
  • No. 2357
  • Holy Spirit Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 4
  • Medicine Hat Catholic Separate Regional District No. 20
  • Red Deer Catholic Regional Division No. 39
  • Red Deer School District No. 104

Between January 14 and 31, 2002, the following bargaining units will be in a position to apply for the taking of strike votes:

  • Battle River Regional Division No. 31
  • Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School District No. 1
  • Foothills School Division
  • No. 38
  • Fort McMurray Roman Catholic Separate School District No. 32
  • Fort McMurray School District No. 2833
  • Greater St. Albert Catholic Regional Division No. 29
  • Lethbridge School District No. 51
  • Northern Gateway Regional Division No. 10
  • Peace Wapiti Regional Division No. 33
  • Rocky View School Division No. 41
  • St. Albert Protestant Separate School District No. 6
  • Wolf Creek School Division No. 72