Labour Action Update for Families - Sept. 30

September 30, 2025

Good afternoon families, 

I am reaching out to share an important update regarding labour negotiations between the Alberta Teachers Association (ATA) and the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA). 

As many of you are aware, the ATA completed its vote yesterday and has rejected the tentative agreement. Although the exact nature of labour action can change, it's understood that the ATA will be initiating full strike action, effective October 6, 2025. This means that all Medicine Hat Catholic schools will be closed to students beginning October 6 until further notice. Families are encouraged to make alternate arrangements for child care and supervision.

Today at noon, the Premier held a press conference addressing the vote results, outlining how the province plans to support families during labour action. Release: Supporting parents and students through a strike.

It is important to note that school jurisdictions across the province are bystanders in this provincial bargaining process. Central negotiations take place between the Government of Alberta, through TEBA, and the ATA. 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.

We anticipate that, during the planned strike action beginning October 6th:

• All teachers, school Principals and Vice-Principals will be part of the labour action and therefore not in school buildings.
• K-12 student instruction will pause for the duration of the strike.
• K-12 students will not be attending school.
• Out of School Care Programs will not be running. 
• Licensed Early Learning Programs will continue to run, including Kindergarten students currently registered in half-day ELP. Students can only attend for their currently registered half-day programs.
• School buildings will be locked even though there will be activity inside as support staff report to work each day.
• Joint-use agreements have been suspended by the City of Medicine Hat for the duration of labour action. The City has indicated that they will communicate directly with user groups. 

The division will continue to provide updates to our school division community as new information becomes available. Thank you for your understanding and support as we manage the local impacts of this provincial bargaining process.

God bless,

Dr. Dwayne Zarichny
Superintendent of Schools
Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education