MHPSD hopeful for teachers resolution ahead of possible strike

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on June 13, 2025.

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

Tracey Hensel, superintendent for the Medicine Hat Public School Division, says staff are closely monitoring developments as a possible teachers strike looms in the fall if an agreement between the Alberta Teachers Association and the government’s Teachers’ Employers Bargaining Association is not hashed out over the summer.

“We value the important role teachers play in the lives of our students and in the strength of our school communities,” Hensel wrote in a letter to public school parents this week. “With respect to the collective bargaining process, we remain hopeful that a resolution can be reached at the provincial level in the next round of bargaining.”

That next round of bargaining is scheduled next week as members of the two sides will meet to discuss a new four-year collective agreement on June 19 and 20. The ATA has also announced its members are willing to extend bargaining talks into August if needed.

Recent results from a vote of more than 38,000 provincial teachers, released earlier this week, shows educators are unified to hit the picket lines if necessary, with more than 94 per cent voting for job action should no deal be reached.

The two sides have 120 days to come to a resolution, and any strike action from teachers would require an advance notice of 72 hours.

According to the ATA, teachers are seeking wage increases and support to help deal with increasing classroom sizes and complexities.

In May the ATA rejected a proposal that included a general wage increase of three per cent per year, as well as $400 million in funding to help teachers dealing with growing classroom needs.

This bargaining process will not impact the remainder of the current school year and Hensel reminds parents and guardians that public schools remain open and will continue to operate normally.

“If there is a disruption to student learning we will communicate with families and staff via email, Edsby, website, social media and callout,” Hensel’s letter reads.

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