EIPS Labour Updates
On September 10, 2025, the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) announced teachers across Alberta—including all teachers from Elk Island Public Schools—plan to begin strike action starting Oct. 6. 2025. At this point, a strike is not certain, as negotiations are still ongoing. Teachers will only strike if an agreement with the province’s collective bargaining group isn’t reached by the specified date.
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Currently, EIPS has limited details on what the strike will involve for schools across the Division. What is known: The ATA and the province’s Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association are negotiating a deal that works for both sides. ATA teachers are asking for a clear plan from the province to address class size, classroom complexity, violence in schools and compensation.
EIPS is not involved in the negotiation process. It maintains a positive relationship with both sides and hopes an agreement is reached quickly to minimize any learning disruption. The Division’s primary focus remains on students and their learning—providing high-quality education to all students in welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environments.
The Division will continue to monitor the situation and evaluate its impact on school operations. As more information becomes available, EIPS will keep affected families updated about the situation, its impact on school operations, and how it may affect them and their child.
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EIPS will continue to monitor the situation and evaluate its impact on school operations. If there is a general strike, it will impact close to 17,950 students across the Division.
As such, EIPS will have no choice but to close schools. All student transportation services and EIPS extracurricular activities, including field trips; clubs and committee meetings; and sports competitions, practices and games, will also need to be suspended until classes resume.
To prepare, EIPS families should make alternate arrangements for their children in the event there is a strike. Childcare centres located in EIPS schools may remain open—contact the childcare provider directly for more information. Existing lease agreements and after-hours rentals already booked remain in place.
As always, families will receive regular email updates from the Division when new information becomes available about the situation, its potential impact on school operations, and what it means for them and their child.
Sept. 10, 2025 – Today, the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) announced members across Alberta—including all teachers from Elk Island Public Schools—plan to begin strike action starting Oct. 6, 2025. At this point, a strike is not certain, as negotiations are still ongoing. Teachers will only strike if an agreement with the province's collective bargaining group isn’t reached by the specified date. read more
All existing lease agreements remain in place. Child care centres located in EIPS schools may remain open—contact the child care provider directly for more information. Existing group and after-hours rentals already booked in EIPS facilities also remain in place.