Collective Agreements

Legally, the Association is the bargaining agent for all teachers employed by school jurisdictions in the province. However, the Association prefers that teachers within each school jurisdiction negotiate directly with their respective employers. Such negotiations can be lawfully conducted from the opening of the bargaining process through to the conclusion of an agreement, provided that the resulting agreement is countersigned by the Association as bargaining agent.

Should local negotiations fail to produce a settlement, teachers may, by majority vote at a properly called meeting of the bargaining unit, request that the Association conduct further negotiations on their behalf. A representative of the bargaining agent, either a staff officer or an economic consultant, is then appointed to conduct further negotiations under the Labour Relations Code. Should strike action be necessary, the Association provides financial support, provided that teachers have bargained in good faith and their objectives are consistent with those of the Association.

Staff in Teacher Welfare advise local bargaining unit committees on all aspects of collective bargaining. In addition, the Association periodically organizes teacher welfare area conference, offers courses for beginning and advanced bargainers at Summer Conference, and maintains a corps of economic consultants, a group of practising teachers who have received specialized training in matters related to collective bargaining.

Members seeking advice on the grievance procedures to be followed in the case of an alleged violation of a collective agreement or on any other matter arising from a collective agreement, the Labour Relations Code, the Employment Standards Code or the salary and sick leave provisions of the School Act should consult teacher welfare staff at tw@teachers.ab.ca.