Education negotiations update: Minister Horner

President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Nate Horner issued the following statement about contract negotiations with the TEBA and the ATA:

“Albertans have immense respect for the role teachers play in supporting students and building a caring education community. Alberta’s government remains committed to reaching a fair deal for our teachers.

“However, in a media statement last week, Alberta Teacher Association (ATA) President Jason Schilling stated, ‘talks are off until the Government shows it takes teachers’ concerns more seriously.’

“Over the summer, I met with my caucus colleagues to review and approve practical and constructive proposals that would hopefully lead to a tentative agreement with our teachers.

“On August 26, Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) proposed a settlement that agreed to provide the hiring commitment requested by the ATA - hiring 3,000 new teachers over the course of the three school years of the agreement. TEBA’s proposal additionally included a similar compensation offer that was previously recommended by the ATA to their members.

“Hiring 3,000 teachers would have cost about three-quarters of a billion dollars over the three years. According to the ATA themselves, it would have helped alleviate population growth and classroom complexity pressures, especially in elementary schools, something that teachers have said is a top priority for them.

“The cost of the current proposed deal over the full term, is over $2.3 billion, which includes substantial raises for teachers. While the general wage increase is 12 per cent over four years, just like the other negotiated deals with the nurses and public sector workers, over 95 per cent of teachers would receive more through market adjustments, depending on their region and role.

“Last week, I shared the first quarter fiscal update and economic statement and mentioned that 2025 has brought its share of challenges for everyone. We are now forecasting a $6.5 billion deficit, our first deficit in five years. Considering our fiscal update, making room for $750 million was not going to be easy, but we were committed to reaching a fair deal for teachers and stability for students and families.

“The headline on a news release from the ATA says public education is at risk due to bargaining impasse. The ATA’s bargaining team can solve this impasse. Refusing to bargain now is not an effective labour relations strategy and is unfair to all teachers across Alberta.

“While union leaders reconsider their tactics, TEBA remains ready to return to the table to secure a fair agreement. Our government is committed to a responsible outcome that balances the needs of teachers, families and taxpayers alike.”