Horizon School division -- Horizon School Division website

By Connor Gunn/Lethbridge News Now

Teachers at Horizon School Division authorize strike vote

Aug 26, 2020 | 2:54 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Teachers employed by Horizon School Division No 67 have voted 87 per cent in favour of authorizing the Alberta Teachers’ Association to request a government-supervised strike vote.

Horizon Division is one of only 15 school boards in the province that has not reached a local settlement for the 2018/19 and 2019/20 school years.

“Our division was the second last to settle during the last round of negotiations, and that required mediation. This time, mediation has failed because the board is being rigid and unreasonable in its demands.”

“While teachers are trying to negotiate, the employer is stalling. Horizon teachers are disappointed that they are being treated without consideration in light of all that is going on with the pandemic. There’s enough stress right now without having to contend with an employer who doesn’t respect you,” says Walter Plumtree, President, ATA Horizon Local No 4 about the strike.

At a meeting held on August 24, the teachers reviewed the last offer proposed by the division, which attempted to strip their collective agreement of several important measures related to leaves and substitute teachers.

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Following the August 24 authorization vote, division teachers can now apply to hold a government-supervised strike vote at any time.

“Teachers want to be in schools this fall; they miss their students and they miss their classrooms. It is not too late for Horizon to save the start of the school year. We are prepared to negotiate if the board is willing to engage in meaningful discussions—a work stoppage is a last resort.” Added Plumtree about the importance of teachers having this option.