4 ❚ The ATA News , October 28, 2025
ATA rejects government’s “enhanced mediation” proposal
Kim Clement ATA News Staff A fter three weeks of strike action, Alberta teachers are still standing together for smaller class sizes, manageable workloads and fair compensation. The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) continues to press for real solutions to the issues that have created this crisis in Alberta’s classrooms, rejecting the government’s “enhanced mediation” proposal— brought forward on October 16—as inadequate and one-sided. Following the Association’s rejection of the government’s proposal, Premier Danielle Smith said on October 17 that Albertans should “fully expect” legislation forcing teachers back to work during the week of October 27 if the parties fail to reach a deal by the time the legislative session begins. On October 14, the ATA presented the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) with a proposal aimed at reaching a fair agreement that would end the disruption to schools. The proposal reflected the
priorities identified by teachers across the province and included a phased-in plan to achieve manageable student– teacher ratios, with language to address growing classroom complexity, as well as a counter to the government’s salary position of three per cent per year. “Teachers have taken historic and extraordinary action because they know students deserve better,” said ATA president Jason Schilling. “Our proposal provides a balanced path forward, one that addresses the realities teachers face every day in their classrooms and restores stability for students and families.” TEBA did not provide a counter proposal and instead, on October 16, the Government of Alberta sent a letter to the Association requesting that teachers return to classrooms on October 20 under an “enhanced mediation” process. However, the government stated that student– teacher ratios would not be included in the scope of that process.The ATA’s Provincial Executive Council met in an emergent session to consider the offer and, on October 17, issued a written response rejecting it.
In his letter to government, ATA Executive Secretary Dennis Theobald called the government’s proposal “biased” and said it would “severely restrict the scope of the solutions” that could be considered, particularly around class size and complexity. “It is engineered to produce a biased and predetermined outcome that entirely favours the government’s objectives,” wrote Theobald. “It is entirely unacceptable to teachers.” Theobald added that TEBA’s continued unwillingness to meaningfully engage on these core issues left teachers with no choice but to continue strike action. Schilling said the government’s refusal to discuss student–teacher ratios showed a lack of willingness to confront the real issues in education. “Teachers are committed to reaching a negotiated settlement that strengthens public education,” he said. “But we cannot accept a process that denies the very issues at the heart of this dispute. Alberta now has the largest class sizes in Canada and the lowest per-student funding. Pre- tending that class size doesn’t matter
will not make the crisis disappear.” Schilling emphasized that the ATA remained fully committed to bargaining, adding that teachers are eager to return to their classrooms but will not accept a deal that fails students and ignores the reality in Alberta’s schools. “This situation is difficult, and teachers are bearing the financial impact of this decision,” Schilling said. “But we are standing together for the future of public education.” On October 20, government house leader Joseph Schow said that all means available to the government for getting kids back in the classroom would be explored.At the time of going to press, back-to-work legislation, Bill 2, the Back to School Act , was expected to be tabled on October 27. If legislation is tabled and subsequently passed, the ATA will carefully review the text with the support of its legal counsel. Similar to the government, the ATA will carefully review all its options in response to the legislation. The latest updates on bargaining and strike action are available on the ATA website.
Former student shines a light on teachers who inspire
Lindsay Yakimyshyn ATA News Managing Editor T eachers made a lasting impact on Carly Miller. So, when Alberta teachers began strike action on Oct. 6, Miller—who graduated from St. Albert Catholic High School in 2015— decided to act to show her support. “I feel that sometimes social media is used in negative ways,” Miller said. “I wanted to use it in a positive way, to spread joy!” She promised herself she would post on Instagram every day of the strike, highlighting teachers she knows and celebrating the important work they do and the difference they make to their students. “I have global developmental delays, and support from teachers and educational assistants helped me to be the happy, involved, independent person I am today,” she said. “Teachers make a big difference every day, and I wanted to shine a light on that.” One post features an interview with
one of Miller’s former teachers, Jody Sekundiak.The write-up not only gave Sekundiak a chance to share why she loves teaching, it also became a place of connection, as others joined in to post their own kind comments and stories about the teacher. The experience has been meaningful for both teacher and former student. Sekundiak said she has been touched by the messages of appreciation, encouragement and support for Alberta teachers that Miller’s posts have inspired. “It is so inspiring how Carly always finds a way to engage with her community and bring connection and joy to those around her,” Sekundiak said. “Carly’s campaign has truly uplifted teachers and brought awareness during this challenging time.” For Miller, the response has been just as rewarding. She has received encouraging feedback on her posts and is grateful to see them bringing positive attention to teachers when they need it most. “Teachers don’t think about themselves. They think about their students and their families,” she said. “I think that the teachers’ strike is really about making things better for students.” Ultimately, Miller believes the strike reflects teachers’ deep and ongoing commitment to their students and their profession. “Day to day, year to year, teachers see what’s happening in their classrooms,” she said. “That’s what is important; teachers are standing up to make things better for kids.”
Truth over clicks Teachers stand for what’s right
T he truth matters. You’d think that would be obvious, but lately, the truth hasn’t been getting the top spot it deserves. About three weeks into this strike, Alberta’s teachers are standing together with integrity and purpose, while some corners of the internet are standing on, well, much shakier ground. Every day brings a new “breaking revelation” from someone who seems more interested in advancing—or even monetizing—misinformation than understanding what’s actually happening in relation to the teachers’ strike. There’s no shortage of self- appointed experts out there, armed with grainy screenshots, wild theories and a YouTube channel to promote. Apparently, facts don’t pay as well as outrage. Let’s be clear: the Alberta Teachers’ Association isn’t a branch office of any political party. We are nonpartisan, and we don’t take orders from anyone but our members. Our direction comes from teachers themselves, elected leaders who debate and decide on behalf of their colleagues.That’s called democracy. It may not trend online, but it’s how our Association and our profession work.
Teachers aren’t on strike because of politics. They’re on strike because their classrooms are overcrowded, their students need more support, and their profession has been disrespected and stretched beyond reason. Every teacher I’ve spoken with would rather be teaching, but they also know that if nothing changes, their students’ learning conditions will keep getting worse. The truth is simple: teachers are standing up for what’s right. They’re standing up for the future of public education. Those who twist that truth to self-promote or score political points aren’t protecting students— they’re protecting their algorithms. So, when you see another viral post claiming to “expose the ATA,” take a breath. Ask who benefits from the lies and confusion they create. And remember that the people who actually live the truth—Alberta’s 51,000 teachers—aren’t hiding anything. They’re out in the open, rain or shine, holding signs that say exactly what they stand for. The truth may take longer to travel, but it is our richest legacy. Lies burn fast; truth endures.
SUPPLIED Carly Miller (left) shone the spotlight on her former teacher, Jody Sekundiak (right), on social media.
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