Tensions between teachers and trustees of Parkland School Division have increased over the past few days since teachers voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action October 19 and trustees attempted to defuse the situation through public pronouncements.

Robert Twerdoclib, president of Parkland Teachers’ Local No 10 of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, said that, by ending bargaining talks October 18, trustees had discarded over eight months of effort to amicably reach a new collective agreement. “It appears trustees have reverted to the position they first tabled back in February,” Twerdoclib said.

The Parkland teachers’ president said both sides had agreed on nearly all major items on October 18. “Despite utterances by trustees to the contrary, we stand by the statements we’ve already issued,” Twerdoclib said. “Resolution would have cost very little, and had trustees agreed, we would now have a collective agreement in place.”

Twerdoclib said that Parkland teachers will be called to a general meeting on Wednesday, October 25, at which the bargaining situation will be reviewed. October 30 has been scheduled as a possible date for negotiations to resume.

Teachers employed by Parkland School Division No 70 provide educational services to more than 9,500 students in schools located between Entwistle and Spruce Grove.

For more information, please contact Robert Twerdoclib at (780) 963-5898.