Warm wishes in this chilly and snowy start to November and welcome to beginning of Quarter Two and winter in Edmonton! I hope that this message finds you as well as you can be and immersed (even ever so slightly) in some of life’s goodness that brings you joy.
In Association news, Central Table Bargaining is underway with the updates being posted on the Bargainer’s Blog at teachers.ab.ca. Here is a brief message from the Chair of the Central Table bargaining Committee Peter McKay (District Representative, North West):
“The Association’s Central Table Bargaining Committee (CTBC) met with representatives of the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) for two days, November 2 and 3, to determine the placement of items on the Central and Local lists for bargaining.
Both parties are focused on finding matters where agreement can be found while remaining mindful of and faithful to their bargaining mandates. With those goals in mind, the parties had cordial and productive discussions over the two bargaining days. Progress was made, and the placement of some matters was agreed to and signed off, but there is much more to be done. Consequently, we have established dates to continue list bargaining in early December.”
It is incredibly important to stay informed about bargaining. Here’s a helpful link: https://www.teachers.ab.ca/membersonly/CollectiveBargainingUpdates/BargainersBlog2016-18/Pages/Bargainers-Blog-1-List-Bargaining-Begins.aspx
As always, there is much work being done to advocate for all matters that are affecting the profession during this time of COVID in our world. The Alberta Teachers’ Association is hosting a telephone townhall meeting for teachers to discuss questions, issues and concerns related to COVID-19 and schools. This event will feature ATA President Jason Schilling, infectious disease specialist Dr Lynora Saxinger and ATA Coordinator of Teacher Employment Services Robert Mazzotta and will discuss some of the science around COVID-19 transmission and implications for schools and the classroom. Mark your calendar! Tuesday, November 17 at 7:00pm. To register, visit this link: https://www.ibelieveinpubliced.ca/teacher2
The Local continues to connect with teachers as often as possible. Local Bargaining is taking shape as our Teacher Welfare Committee was elected at our October Council Meeting. Thank you to our committee and we look forward to your work on our behalf. Updates will be shared with our teachers as often as possible.
The Local has been fortunate to visit a few of our schools “virtually” (but still with treats in tow – of course! We intend to “pop in” to all of our schools at some point this school year ). Our October Council Meeting was well attended showing that our engagement is something to celebrate and maintain. Thank you to you all for your support. Be sure to visit the Local’s website for information on key dates and events that may be of interest to you.
As we make our way into these stark winter months, know that our work here at the Local is always aimed at supporting our teachers and our profession. Please never hesitate to reach out to us anytime. As this message comes to a close, I would like to make particular mention of the importance of Remembrance Day and what this means for our country and world. We offer our gratitude to all who have and continue to serve so that we might live in freedom. I sincerely hope that on November 11 you too will take a moment to reflect a very small gesture of respect for those who have given up so much. To our teachers who have loved ones in the service or who may have lost a loved one in service, our hearts are with you.
Wishing you the very best always, in solidarity,
Sandra