ATA-TEBA Update
Posted
UPDATE: September 30, 2025
Alberta Teachers’ Vote to Strike
The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) announced that 89.5% of teachers voted against the province’s tentative agreement, with just over 10% in favour. A total of 43,362 votes were cast.
ATA President Jason Schilling confirmed that teachers will begin strike action on Monday, October 6, 2025, citing dissatisfaction with the agreement and frustration over recent provincial education mandates.
What this means for STAR Catholic Schools:
- All classes and programs (e.g Preschool and before/after school care) will be cancelled starting Monday, October 6th, 2025 until further notice.
- Students will not attend in person or online.
- There will be no instruction, supervision, or extra-curricular activities
We understand that this news creates significant disruption for your family in terms of childcare and daily routines. Please begin to make alternate childcare arrangements as needed.
We know that STAR Catholic teachers maintain a deep commitment to ensuring a strong and sustainable publicly funded Catholic education system for their students, a goal we all share.
We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available. Please check your email, the STAR Catholic ATA-TEBA Update page on our website, and our social media channels for the latest updates.
UPDATE: September 26, 2025
The Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) and the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement. ATA members will vote on the tentative agreement between September 27 and 29, with results expected shortly afterward. If members ratify the agreement, TEBA will review it for final approval on October 1.
What This Means for STAR Catholic Families and Staff
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If both ATA members and TEBA approve the agreement, there will be no strike and no disruption to teaching and learning.
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If the agreement is not approved, the strike notice remains in place, and a province-wide strike would begin on Monday, October 6.
At this time, classes are proceeding as usual, and students should continue attending school as normal.
If a Strike Proceeds on October 6
Based on the information provided when the strike notice was issued, we expect a full province-wide strike across all schools. If this occurs:
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All classes will be cancelled
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Students will not attend school in person or online
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There will be no instruction, supervision, or extracurricular activities
We understand this creates challenges for families and encourage parents/guardians to begin making alternate childcare and scheduling arrangements in case schools are closed.
Staying Informed
STAR Catholic values the important contributions of teachers and all staff in our school communities, and we remain hopeful that an agreement can be finalized without disruption.
To ensure you receive timely updates:
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Please make sure you are subscribed to SchoolMessenger.
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If you are not receiving emails, contact your school office.
Understanding the Bargaining Process
In Alberta, teacher bargaining takes place at the provincial level. This involves:
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ATA – representing Alberta’s teachers
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TEBA – representing the Government of Alberta and all public, separate, and Francophone school divisions
Through central bargaining, items such as teacher salaries and benefits are negotiated provincially. Local bargaining can only begin once this process has been completed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are schools open right now?
Yes. Students are in school and our schools are open as they normally would. Teachers and staff are also still at school, and classes are operating as usual. We will share more information with families if an agreement is not reached by Monday, October 6.
Will schools close on Monday, October 6?
If ATA members or TEBA vote against the tentative agreement, a province-wide strike is expected to begin on Monday, October 6. This would mean:
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All classes will be cancelled
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Students will not attend school in person or online
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There will be no instruction, supervision, or extracurricular activities
We will notify families immediately if a strike is confirmed. Please begin planning for alternate arrangements.
What happens if a full strike begins?
If job action results in a full withdrawal of teaching services across Alberta:
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All classes will be cancelled
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Students will not attend school in person or online
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There will be no instruction, supervision, or extracurricular activities
We encourage families to begin planning for alternate arrangements.
Are principals and assistant principals part of the strike?
Yes. Principals, assistant principals, and teachers are members of the ATA and would take part in job action. They will not be available if a strike occurs.
If classes are cancelled due to a full strike, will schools provide childcare during the day?
No. If a strike leads to classes being cancelled, students will not attend school in person or online. STAR Catholic does not operate childcare programs.
How will families be informed of updates?
Families will receive updates through SchoolMessenger emails from both the Division and your child’s school. If you are not receiving these messages, please contact your school office to confirm your subscription.
Should a strike happen, will Educational Assistants (EAs) be participating?
No. Educational Assistants (EAs) are not members of the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and will not participate in any strike action.
Messages to Families
| Important Update: Ongoing ATA–TEBA Negotiations | - Jun 11, 2025 8:00 am |
| STAR Catholic: Labour Negotiation Update | - Aug 30, 2025 1:41 pm |
| Parent Letter – Back to School Update | -Sep 5, 2025 3:37 pm |
| Important Update: Ongoing ATA–TEBA Negotiations | -Sep 11, 2025 8:22 am |
| Letter_to_Parents_(September_30)_.docx.pdf | -Sep 30, 2025 10:07 am |