EIPS Labour Updates: Frequently Asked Questions
On Sept. 10, 2025, the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) announced members across Alberta—including all teachers from Elk Island Public Schools—will 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. The following is a list of frequently asked questions EIPS has received from families, students and staff. The Division will continue to update and add to the list of questions and answers as information becomes available.
Question: Are schools closed?
Answer: No. Schools aren’t closed. The strike is still uncertain, as is the type of action being taken. EIPS is monitoring the situation and will communicate with families, staff and students as soon as more information becomes available. That said, if there is a strike and it involves a full withdrawal of services, EIPS will have no choice but to close schools.
Q: What are the issues being negotiated between teachers and the province?
A: ATA teachers are asking for a clear plan from the province’s Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association to address class size, classroom complexity, violence in schools and compensation.
Q: What is EIPS’ role in the negotiation process?
A: Currently, the ATA and the province’s Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association are negotiating a deal that works for both sides. 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 learning disruptions. The Division will continue to monitor the situation and evaluate its impact on school operations. The Division’s primary focus is students and their learning—providing high-quality education to all students in welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environments.
Q: Why can’t EIPS just provide teachers with what they are asking for—class sizes, complexity, aggression and compensation?
A: EIPS isn’t in a position to allocate additional dollars to address the ATA’s concerns. More than 94% of the Division's revenues come from Alberta Education and Childcare. EIPS simply doesn’t have the dollars to address these concerns. It’s doing the best we can on a very tight budget. That said, EIPS is hopeful the two parties will work out a fair agreement for both sides, quickly.
Q: Can I get a refund for my child’s school fees or student transportation fees?
A: It’s still too early to answer as a strike is not certain. If a strike occurs, EIPS will review the fees charged to families and consider any possible refund or credit at the end of the school year.
Q: Are the Provincial Achievement Tests cancelled?
A: Currently, all PATs will continue as scheduled. EIPS will continue to monitor the situation. If there is a change to the PAT schedule, the Division will notify all affected families.
Q: Are the diploma examinations cancelled?
A: Currently, all diploma examinations are continuing as scheduled. EIPS will continue to monitor the situation. If there is a change to the diploma examination schedule, the Division will notify all affected families.
Q: Will school-based extracurricular activities and sports continue as scheduled?
A: It’s still too premature to answer. A strike is still not certain. However, if there is a strike, suspending all extracurricular activities—field trips; clubs and committee meetings; and sports competitions, practices and games—is likely.
Q: How do I get the latest information about the teachers’ strike?
A: There are several ways to stay informed—news media, official communications from the ATA and through EIPS. The Division has a web page dedicated explicitly to labour updates. EIPS will also communicate updates regularly with all school families, students and staff when new information becomes available about the situation, its potential impact on school operations, and what it means for stakeholders.
Question: If there is a strike, what will it mean for EIPS lease agreements and after-hours rentals?
Answer: Regardless of a strike, all existing EIPS lease agreements will remain in place. Child care centres located in EIPS schools may also remain open—contact the child care provider directly for more information. Additionally, existing group and after-hours rentals already booked in EIPS facilities will remain in effect.