Wolf Creek Public Schools remains committed to sharing the most up-to-date and transparent information as possible with our families, staff, and stakeholders while respecting the Central Bargaining process.
What’s Happening Now
Members of the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) completed a province-wide strike vote between June 5–8, 2025, and are now legally in a position to strike. A minimum of 72 hours' notice must be given before any strike action can occur.
They have since provided an official strike notice to the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA), with the indication that if a negotiated settlement is not reached, they will commence labour action on October 6, 2025.
Who Is Involved in the Strike Vote?
All certificated teaching staff, including school-based leadership teams such as principals and vice principals, are members of the ATA and are represented in Central Table Bargaining.
How Does Central Bargaining Work?
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Central Bargaining (currently underway)
Handled between the ATA Central Table Bargaining Committee (CTBC) and the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA). It covers province-wide matters such as salary and general working conditions. -
Local Bargaining (not a part of the current negotiations)
Occurs after Central Bargaining concludes and addresses issues specific to each school division.
Our Local Context in Wolf Creek
While this is a provincial labour issue, we want to emphasize that Wolf Creek Public Schools continues to have a strong, respectful partnership with ATA Local #3. We are committed to ongoing collaboration and value the professionalism and dedication our teachers bring to students each day.
What Happens Next?
If no agreement is reached at the central table:
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The ATA can provide 72 hours’ notice of strike action, which it now has.
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A strike mandate is valid for 120 days from the vote.
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WCPS will follow all provincial directives regarding school operations and provide regular updates to families and staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions for non certified support staff (who in Wolf Creek Public Schools would not be included in Labour Action) and substitute teachers with the Division.
- Will I be paid for dispatches that fall on strike days?
No. You will not be paid for any dispatches scheduled on strike days. These dispatches will be cancelled if schools are not operating due to the strike. - What happens to dispatches that were already booked during the strike?
All previously booked dispatches that fall on strike days will be automatically cancelled. You will not receive compensation for these cancelled dispatches. - Can I accept work elsewhere during the strike?
Please consult with the ATA regarding any restrictions or expectations around working or volunteering during a strike. - Will this affect my eligibility for Employment Insurance (EI)?
EI eligibility depends on the nature of your employment and whether you worked sufficient insurable hours. A strike may impact your eligibility during that period. Please contact Service Canada directly for guidance on your individual situation. - Will I continue to pay ATA fees during the strike?
ATA fees are typically deducted from your pay when you work. Please contact the ATA for further information on how your ATA fees will be levied as a substitute teacher. - Will this affect my standing on the substitute list?
No. Participation in the strike or having dispatches cancelled due to a strike will not impact your standing or availability on the substitute teacher list once regular operations resume. - Who can I contact if I have more questions about my pay?
Please contact People Services with any specific concerns regarding deductions, benefits, or contract implications during the strike.
- Am I part of the strike action?
Non Certified staff are not part of the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and are therefore not included in the strike vote or any resulting job action. You are expected to report to work as usual unless directed otherwise.
- Will I still be paid if teachers go on strike?
As long as meaningful work is available and you are reporting for duty, you will continue to be paid as normal. We are working on plans to continue providing meaningful work for Non Certified staff during any strike period. That said, if the provincial government issues a directive that prevents us from assigning duties, we will ultimately have to follow that directive. In that case, more information would follow regarding temporary layoffs.
- What happens if there is no work available for me due to the strike?
We are committed to doing everything possible to keep Non Certified Staff working. That said, if the provincial government issues a directive that prevents us from assigning duties, we will ultimately have to follow that directive. More information will follow.
- Will my benefits continue if I’m temporarily not working?
Yes. If you are temporarily not working due to the strike but remain an active employee, your benefits will continue as normal. However, if your contract is scheduled to end, your benefits will also end on that date - just as they would if there were no strike. The strike does not extend your contract or benefits beyond their original end date.
- Should I report to work if teachers go on strike?
Yes. You are expected to report to work as scheduled, unless specifically instructed otherwise by the Division.
- Will I receive updates about any changes?
Yes. We are committed to timely and transparent communication. You will receive updates through Division Communication as soon as new information is available.
- Who can I contact with questions or concerns?
Please contact People Services with any specific concerns regarding deductions, benefits, or contract implications during the strike.
Parent Resources
This section will include resources for parents to utilize with their children in the event of labour action. Resources still to come.