August 27, 2025 Update: We understand our families and staff will likely have questions about the potential for labour action as we approach the start of the 2025-2026 school year. The ATA and TEBA have scheduled formal mediation for August 26-29, 2025. While we do not know what the outcome of these negotiations will be, we assure you we are committed to clear, consistent, and timely communication when available from the province to share with our stakeholders.
GYPSD's school year is scheduled to begin Tuesday, September 2, 2025, in all our communities. In the event of any changes to school operations, we will inform you as soon as possible via our website and social media channels.
We thank you for your patience and continued support.
June 12, 2025, Update to Labour Negotiations with the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA)
With more bargaining dates scheduled, it is not anticipated that labour action will be taken in June, but we will keep you informed if this changes. For now, there is no disruption to learning or any changes to normal operations. All GYPSD schools and facilities remain open and classes and planned activities are continuing as normal. Community use continues to be available for booking GYPSD facilities.
GYPSD highly values all our ATA staff and the contributions they make to student success. We respect the bargaining process and remain hopeful that the provincial government and the ATA reach a negotiated settlement. We are committed to keeping families and staff informed and will share updates through our website, email, and other communication channels as more information becomes available.
June 12, 2025, Letter to Families from Supt. Parsons
What Is Happening Now?
- Members of the ATA have completed a strike vote (June 5 - 8, 2025) and are now in a legal position to give notice to strike if they choose to do so.
- ATA Members in May voted against a mediator's recommendation during Central Bargaining.
What Happens Next?
- Now having a strike mandate from their membership, the ATA would have to give, at minimum, 72 hours notice if they choose to withdraw their services.
- The ATA has indicated that more bargaining dates are scheduled for this month as well as August.
- There is the possibility more negotiations could happen at any time.
How does Bargaining Work?
- In Alberta, teacher bargaining takes place at two levels:
- Central Bargaining (currently underway) occurs at the provincial level and addresses broad, province-wide matters, such as salary and general working conditions. This is the process that is occurring now.
- The parties involved at this stage include the ATA’s Central Table Bargaining Committee (CTBC) and the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA).
- Bargaining at a local level occurs following the Central Bargaining process.
Who are ATA Members in a School Division?
- All certificated teaching staff, including school-based leadership teams such as principals and vice principals, are members of the ATA.