The Alberta Teachers’ Association

At the end of August 2012, the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s 62 collective agreements will expire. In fact, as of January, some bargaining units can open their collective agreements and enter into negotiations.

As a service to members, the ATA’s Teacher Welfare program area has prepared a series of articles to assist members during the bargaining process. To date, the following articles published in the ATA News are posted online (www.teachers.ab.ca):

“BUGM” has nothing to do with insects—ATA News, January 17, 2012

Make your voice heard—ATA News, November 22, 2011

Why do we have a union? —ATA News, October 25

The teaching profession and collective bargaining—ATA News, September 13

Union isn’t a dirty word—ATA News, June 14

What does communication with members look like heading into and during ­negotiations?

Members of your Economic Policy Committee (EPC) must fulfill numerous responsibilities during negotiations, one of which is to keep members of the bargaining unit informed. At present, ATA members are approving their bargaining units’ initial proposal. The approval process is done through Bargaining Unit General Meetings (BUGMs). Your EPC has an obligation to provide an opportunity for each member of the bargaining unit to have input into the initial proposal brought forward as the opening position for collective bargaining. Members’ input is gleaned from a member survey, but members can provide feedback through e-mail, by calling or writing EPC members prior to the BUGM, or even better, by attending a BUGM. All input is helpful.

What happens when ­negotiations begin? Once your Negotiating Sub Committee (NSC) starts bargaining, you can expect updates after bargaining sessions. Updates are general in nature and speak to the tone and progress of negotiations or lack thereof. Typically, a memo is distributed to members of the bargaining unit and includes an invitation for feedback and contact information. Specific details of discussions are generally not reported. While it is appropriate for individual members to contact NSC members for more specific information about proposals, the disclosure of specific comments made during discussions could hinder or even undermine ­negotiations.

The NSC will call a BUGM when a more detailed report or input from members is required. Teachers are busy, so meetings are called only when the participation of members is essential to the next steps. At the BUGM, a history of the current round of bargaining will be given and future actions explained.

As negotiations roll out this spring, members should watch their mailboxes and inboxes. Remember that electronic communication using employers’ e-mail is not permitted.

Please participate in the negotiating process by providing input or attending meetings.