City School Divisions Prepping Parents for Strike

As talks between the province and teachers’ union appear to be going nowhere, the city’s public and Catholic and Francophone school divisions are preparing parents for the fallout of labour strife.

“Like all Alberta school divisions, the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education must now prepare for the impact of this decision and ensure families are informed,” stated Dwayne Zarichny, superintendent, in an update to parents.

Last weekend saw nearly 90 per cent of teachers voting against the province’s latest contract offer, setting the stage for an Oct. 6 strike.

Medicine Hat teachers are set to join the strike slated to begin on Monday.

Before and after school care will be closed at public schools, all extracurricular activities suspended and user groups and clubs which are part the city’s joint-use agreement will need to find another location then public and Catholic schools.

The YMCA will be offering around 100 care spots at two community locations, prioritizing those students already enrolled in before and after school care programs.

Licensed early learning programs at Catholic schools will continue to run and accessible to kindergarten students currently registered in the half-day program.

According to a statement on the FrancoSud School Board website, daycare services, daycare centres and preschools located in its establishments will be able to continue their activities unless otherwise indicated.

Two independent childcare programs at Medicine Hat Public School Division institutions will remain open.

“It is important to note that school jurisdictions across the province are bystanders in this provincial bargaining process,” stated Zarichny in his update to parents. “Central negotiations take place between the Government of Alberta, through (Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association), and the (Alberta Teachers’ Association).”

The local public school board says it won’t be providing information on social media but will be giving updates on its website and its FAQ page.

 Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) president Jason Schilling said in a media release following the vote that the government is forcing teachers to bargain for basic classroom needs.

“The proposed agreement failed to meet the needs of teachers, failed to improve student classroom conditions in a concrete and meaningful way, and failed to show teachers the respect they deserve,” stated Schilling.

For its part, the province said the latest offer would have resulted in a general pay raise of 12 per cent and even more in some instances while hiring more teachers.

“I’m disappointed that ATA members have rejected the settlement, choosing instead to go on strike,” stated Medicine Hat MLA, Premier Danielle Smith.