News & Updates
Local Updates to Members
To access a pdf print version of the email that was sent to Local members via home email click on the date below:
2023-24
Local Update - October 2023
2022-23
Local Updates - September 2022
Rally Update - October 2022
2021-22
Public Teachers' Registry FAQ
May 26, 2022 Executive Committee Election Information
May 2022 Local Updates
May 2022 Member Information Meetings Email
March Member Information Meetings Email
February Update Email
December - Putting Students First Email
October Update Email
September Save the Dates Email
2020-21
April Update Email
March Update Email
February PEC Election Email
January Update Email
September/October Update Email
Talking Points - In Response to Alberta Education announcement of its intention to split the ATA
Looking for talking points when discussing this topic? Click HERE to access a pdf of the ATA's response or visit their site HERE.
Worth Knowing - Updates from the provincial ATA - #WEAREATA
Worth Knowing - Teacher Discipline
There is a new Code of Professional Conduct for all certificate holders, including teachers and teacher leaders. The new processes are complex and have short timelines. The Association is here to answer questions and ensure that teachers and teacher leaders are treated fairly and in accordance with the law and principles of natural justice. Click HERE to read more.
Worth Knowing - Check Your Pay Statement!
The Mediator’s Recommended Terms of Settlement, ratified on June 10, 2022, included 0.5 per cent upon ratification and another 1.25 per cent on September 1, 2022. This compounds upon the 0.5 per cent received upon ratification. There will be another 2 per cent due to teachers on September 1, 2023. A teacher’s annual salary is based on years of education (as determined by the Teacher Qualifications Service) and years of experience (as determined by the teacher’s collective agreement). Click here to see your updated salary grid. Click HERE for more information.
Worth Knowing - Starting with a New School Division
A teacher's annual salary is based on years of education (as determined by the Teacher Qualifications Service) and years of experience (as determined by the teacher's collective agreement). Teachers hired to a teaching position with a new school division are responsible for submitting proof of their experience and education in accordance with the timelines stipulated in clauses 3.3 and 3.4 of the Central Table Terms of their collective agreement. What does this mean? Click HERE for more information.
Worth Knowing - The Impact of the Mediator's Recommended Terms of Settlement on Teachers' Pay
The Mediator's Recommended Terms of Settlement, ratified on June 10, 2022, provides for a .5% increase to teacher pay upon ratification. Click HERE to access the formula and other important information you should be aware of.
Worth Knowing - Pension Termination Benefits/Commuted Values
While a commuted value may change from month to month, the lifetime pension payable to a plan member who does not withdraw their commuted value from the plan will remain the same. To read more, click HERE.
Worth Knowing - Changes to Public Health Policy and School Safety
The abrupt changes during the latest COVID-19 provincial update have left Alberta teachers with many questions about the safety of their workplaces and their employers’ responsibilities. To read more, click HERE.
Worth Doing - Benefits of the RRSP
Many of us have resolved to improve our financial hygiene in 2022. An excellent way to clean up on a large income tax return is by investing in a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). RRSPs are tax-deferred, which means that any money you contribute will be exempt from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) taxes the year you make the deposit. You will not be taxed until you make withdrawals. Thus, RRSPs are a great mechanism to reduce a current-year tax bill. Because tax-deferred does not mean tax-free, you will eventually have to pay taxes when you withdraw your money later in retirement. By the time you do so, your income will almost certainly be less, and your tax rate will be lower. To read more, click HERE.
Travelling During a Pandemic - update 2021 11 01
With the holidays approaching, teachers may be considering travel. Teachers should check current travel advisories and consider all potential consequences of travelling during a pandemic. For advice on potential travel issues, teachers should call Catherine LeBlanc at 780-455-2164. To access information on travelling over the holidays, click HERE.
Pregnancy and Accommodation in Schools
Pregnant teachers need a safe working environment for themselves and for their babies. Click HERE to read more. Teachers who need information about their options for workplace accommodation can call Catherine in the Local’s office at 780-455-2164 or Teacher Employment Services at 1‑800‑232-7208.
COVID-19 and School Safety
Teachers should have a work environment that is safe for themselves and for their students. Although working from home is not a right, if a medical accommodation to work in isolation is necessary, the employer must accommodate to the point of undue hardship. Teachers requiring accommodation should call Catherine LeBlanc in the Local’s office at 780-454-3481or the provincial Association at 1-800-232-7208 and request the assistance of Teacher Employment Services. Click HERE to learn more.
EI Maternity Benefits
Important changes to Employment Insurance maternity benefits: Service Canada introduces a temporary waiver program for the one-week waiting period. Click HERE to learn more.
Dual Instruction
Teachers cannot be expected to separately plan lessons for, instruct or assess both students in the classroom and those who choose to obtain their learning exclusively at home. Click HERE for more information.
