Author: Ian

ISSUE #1VOLUME 27— October, 2020

Alberta Teachers Association Local #3 Newsletter

Up the

Creek

ATA Annual Representative Assembly
-From the ARA Annual Report submitted by Rod Phillips

The Annual Representative Assembly is akin to the “parliament of the Alberta Teachers Association. This annual meeting is made up of 425 delegates from locals and the 20 members of the Association's executive body (Provincial Executive Council). The purpose of the ARA is to establish policy, approve the Association's budget and set fees for the various categories of membership. Usually held during the May long weekend, its location alternates between Calgary and Edmonton. As with so many things, as a result of the current pandemic, the ARA was a very different experience this year. To begin with, it was postponed until August 13th and 14th and was held online via Zoom.
This year, the delegates attending the ARA from Wolf Creek Local #3 were:
Mike Doll (Local President)
Rod Phillips (Local past President and ARA Chair)
James Gascoyne (Local Vice-President)
Ian McLaren (elected representative of the Local)
Lindsay Nicks (replacing elected representative Laura Tisdale who stepped down from the Local)
Cheryl Priddell (Guest - Observer Status)
In spite of the unusual arrangement, a great deal of business was conducted at ARA this year. Here are a few highlights:
Government Representative – Minister of Education, Adriana LaGrange represented the UCP government. She had a short written message of greetings with no real substance.
President’s Address – Jason Schilling’s address was filled with frustration regrading government’s actions with legislative bills. He was also frustrated with the government’s re-entry plans during the COVID pandemic and their reluctance to work with the teachers on a safe transition back into the schools for staff and students. He promised that the ATA will continue to fight for teachers and public education. He was ever hopeful that the Minister would meet with him about concerns and survey results from teachers in regards to re-entry plans and that they could work together for a concerted effort on behalf of all for the safest transition possible.
Resolutions – 232 resolutions came up for debate. Of these 205 resolutions were contained in two blocks (one of 143 resolutions and the other 62 resolutions) which helped deal with them quickly and efficiently. There were also a number of emergent resolutions which came to the floor during the ARA. As the process dragged into the morning of August 15th, some resolutions were tabled or not dealt with prior to the adjournment of ARA, including the resolution of non-confidence in our Minister of Education. This resolution was tabled as it was hoped that PEC would be able to set up a positive and proactive relationship with the Minister. To date, this has not been the case as the Minister seems to be unwilling to move on the government’s plan for re-entry into the schools.
Additional PEC Resolutions – there were a number of Emergent Resolutions which were added to the Order of Business by the Provincial Executive Council. Topics addressed included increased funding for schools especially in regards for safety for re-entry. Two other resolutions which garnered strong support dealt with teachers once again being more involved with development of the new K-12 curriculum. Another resolution dealt with the aspect of substitute teachers being given financial support should they contract COVID and have to miss 10-14 days due to the need to quarantine or self-isolate. There are no provisions for sick benefits of this nature in any of the school jurisdictions.
ATRF – The pension plan once again had a very good year last year but now is in a state of limbo with the government having moved the teachers’ pension from ATRF to AIMCo. As a result, the amount members will be required to contribute for our pension plan will continue as they are with teachers paying 11.34% of their salary to the pension program. One of the significant issues that the fund realizes is that the average rate of retirement is 60 years of age and collecting their pension for 30 years. However, based on current projections, the funding deficit shortfall should be met by 2027 which is the same projection as was given at the 2019 ARA. Resolution 3-6 was passed. Interesting language as it stated that, “The ATA demand that the government repeal Bill 22 to allow the ATRF full control choosing investment managers”. This was meant to allow the ATA to again move their pension funds back to the ATRF from AIMCo.
Educational Trust Fund – Wolf Creek donated $500.00 to the Education Trust Fund. This amount had been set by policy at a previous Annual General Meeting
Membership Fees – There will be an $81.00/year increase to Association fees. The primary driver of the fee increase is an anticipated loss of 1500 fulltime teaching positions as a result of provincial funding cuts to school boards. They will increase to the rate of $1347.00/year with the Associate membership fee being set at $202.50.
ARA was adjourned at 1:37 AM, Saturday, well past the planned finish time of 4:00 PM. Friday.

ATA Annual representative Assembly, cont. from p 1

This Is Not the “New Normal”
Editorial by Ian McLaren
Too often, I have heard people say that wearing masks, socially distancing and sanitizing our hands 48 times a day is the ‘new normal.’ Not only do I think this is an incorrect view, I think it may be dangerous in the long run. Don’t get me wrong, all of these things are important and necessary if we want to continue to flatten the curve and I don’t want anyone to go away with the idea that I feel we should not do all of them. In time of crisis, there has always been a need to do things differently. During The Bliz in London during WW II, people spent hours huddled in shelters, blacked out their windows and went without many of the comforts they were used to. This was necessary, but it was not normal. If was normal, they would still be doing it today!
A better phrase, courtesy of Author Martha Tesema, might be the “new now.’ I like that phrase, because it acknowledges that this is not forever. Things are going to get better and if we can keep that in mind, it will help us manage the long road ahead. As well, thinking of the ‘new now’ allows us to consider what we can do TODAY to make ourselves healthier and happier in the moment, rather than just waiting until this is all over.
As teachers, presenting the many changes in the lives of our students as the ‘new now’ allows us to help them to continue to grow emotionally, physically and intellectually in the knowledge that when this passes—and it WILL pass, they will not have missed out or fallen behind. They will be ready to once again live in the world that, while not perfect, will at least be back to ‘normal.’
Looking for some extra supports to get you through? Check out the many resources at your ATA Library:
https://teachers-ab.libguides.com/counselling

Contribution Rate Decrease
Teachers will start seeing a decrease to pension contribution rates on their paycheques, effective September 1, 2020. This is the third time since 2016 that ATRF has reduced contribution rates for both plans.

Up the Creek is published up to nine times per school year. Your contributions and feedback are always welcome.
Website: local3.wolfcreek.ab.ca
Twitter: atalocal3
Ian McLaren, Communications Officer,
Wolf Creek Local #3