Alberta Teachers' Association Labour Action

Westwind Labour Action Update: Schools Remain Closed

Overview

Current Situation

On September 29, 2025, the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) announced its members voted “no” to the tentative agreement with the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA).
Since Monday, October 6, 2025, all Westwind schools have been closed to students due to the provincial ATA strike.
TEBA has issued a province-wide, reactive lockout of ATA-represented staff effective Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Schools will remain closed; this change formalizes and continues the pause on in-person instruction and school activities. A lockout is an employer-initiated, temporary pause in work that prevents unionized staff from working at school sites while bargaining continues.

Schools remain closed to students. Schools closed on Monday, October 6, due to the provincial ATA strike and will remain closed. A TEBA lockout takes effect on Thursday, October 9, at 1:00 p.m., formalizing and continuing the pause on in-person instruction and school activities.
No classes or instruction. There is no shift to at-home or online learning delivered by ATA-represented staff during the labour action.
Buildings closed to students/public. For safety and security, school buildings will remain closed to students and the public during the school day. Limited essential operations may occur inside.
Transportation suspended. All student transportation related to school programming remains suspended.
All activities paused. Athletics, fine arts, extracurriculars, field trips and school-related events remain suspended for the duration of the labour action.
Staffing status. ATA-represented certificated staff (e.g., teachers, principals, /vice principals) will not be at work at division sites during the lockout. Non-ATA support staff (e.g., educational assistants, administrative staff, custodial/maintenance staff, etc.) may continue with limited on-site duties as directed by the Division.
Community/joint-use partners. Some licensed before- and after-school care providers or other joint-use partners may operate only where permitted and coordinated with the Division. Operators will communicate directly with registered families if applicable.
Government support for families. The Province has announced learning resources and financial support during school closures. Please go to Alberta.ca.

While instruction is paused, families can access study spaces, print/digital materials, and programs through local public libraries (e.g., the Chinook Arch Library System), in addition to the provincial resources listed on Alberta.ca.

Westwind School Division also supports the physical, emotional and mental well-being of our students, families and staff. Access Westwind Wellness for more information.

Westwind Wellness

Chinook Arch Regional Library System

Parent Supports During School Closure

Parent Tool Kit

Parent Payment Program

Home Education

Teacher collective bargaining in Alberta consists of two parts. Central bargaining takes place between the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) and the Teachers' Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA), which represents the Government of Alberta and all provincial school boards. This process determines teacher salaries and primary employment conditions. Local bargaining on other matters cannot begin until a central agreement is in place.

Like all school divisions in Alberta, Westwind participates in the outcomes of this provincial process but is not a party to the central negotiations.

Communication sent out to date: