“I am pleased to hear that the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) is returning to the bargaining table to continue negotiations with the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA).
“This is a long overdue step after the ATA walked away from negotiations in late August and cast a shadow of uncertainty and doubt over the start of the school year.
“I am disappointed that the ATA is using the potential disruption of the school year as leverage in its pursuit of additional compensation. Announcing a strike commencing October 6 before the parties have resumed negotiations only serves to increase stress among Alberta’s students and families.
“Alberta’s government is committed to finding a fair settlement that ensures as many resources as possible are directed to essential classroom supports.”