Labour Action 2025

Update, Sept. 26, 2025

Tentative Agreement Reached Between TEBA and ATA

The Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) and the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement. ATA members will cast their votes on this tentative deal between September 27 and 29, with results expected shortly after. If the membership supports the agreement, TEBA will give its final approval on October 1.

What This Means for Battle River School Division Families, Students, and Staff

• If both ATA members and TEBA ratify the agreement, there will be no strike action, and learning will continue without disruption.
• If either group rejects the agreement, the existing strike notice will remain in effect, with a province-wide strike beginning on Monday, October 6.

Battle River School Division recognizes the vital contributions of teachers and all staff to our students and our school communities. We respect the collective bargaining process and remain hopeful that this tentative deal will be finalized, ensuring stability for students and families. At this time, classes are running as usual, and students should continue attending school as normal.

If the Strike Proceeds on October 6

Should the agreement be voted down and a strike begins:

• All classes will be cancelled for students both in person and online. Homework will not be assigned or reviewed by teachers.
• There will be no teaching, supervision, or extracurricular programming. 

We understand this situation creates uncertainty for families. Please begin making arrangements for childcare or alternate plans for your daily routines in case of a strike. 

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as new information becomes available.

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Update, Sept. 12, 2025

We have been informed that the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) has given notice of a province-wide strike to begin on October 6, 2025, if a settlement is not reached. 

The central bargaining process occurs at the provincial level between the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA), which represents school boards and the Government of Alberta, and the ATA. This means that items like teacher salaries are negotiated through the provincial collective agreement, and BRSD is not directly involved in these negotiations.

What Happens Next?

For now, in Battle River School Division, classes and extracurricular activities are continuing as usual.

We remain hopeful that TEBA and the ATA are able to conclude the bargaining process as soon as possible so that a new collective agreement can be reached before October 6, 2025.

Should a settlement not be reached before October 6, 2025, all schools would be closed to students on October 6, 2025. You are encouraged to start making alternate arrangements for your children should teachers go on strike.

We will continue to provide more updates as information becomes available.

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Update for Families

Preparing for the 2025–26 School Year

Earlier in June, the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) shared that 94.5% of participating members supported a strike mandate. At this stage, Battle River School Division (BRSD) continues its regular preparations for classes to begin on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

We recognize that conversations around possible labour action may create uncertainty for students and families. BRSD will provide timely updates through this page and direct communication whenever new details are confirmed.

Next Steps in the Process

• Before any strike that affects the school day can occur, the ATA must give school divisions a minimum of 72 hours’ notice.
• The union has a 120-day window to start job action, unless an agreement is reached between the ATA and the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA).

Our Division values every employee’s role in supporting student learning, and we respect the collective bargaining process that takes place at the provincial level.

How Bargaining with the ATA Works

Negotiations involving salaries and other major employment matters happen between TEBA and the ATA at the provincial table. These issues are not determined locally by school divisions. Once provincial bargaining concludes, BRSD will then begin local discussions with our ATA representatives.

We are hopeful that TEBA and the ATA can work toward a resolution soon, allowing for a new collective agreement to be reached with minimal disruption.

About the ATA

The Alberta Teachers’ Association represents more than 46,000 certificated educators in the province. Within BRSD, ATA members include teachers, substitute teachers, principals, and assistant principals, all belonging to their local bargaining unit.

​​​About TEBA

The Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) represents all Alberta school boards when negotiating major items like teacher pay and benefits with the Alberta Teachers’ Association. Once that provincial process is done, BRSD then works with its own ATA local on division-specific matters.

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Update for Staff

Letter to Support Staff and Bus Drivers: Aug. 29, 2025

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