RETROACTIVE PAY: What Teachers Need to Know

​Many teachers have asked why the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) has filed grievances regarding retroactive pay and what this means for them. This Worth Knowing article explains the issue and what teachers should do now.

Teachers Have a Right to Timely and Accurate Pay
Teachers are entitled to receive their full salary, including any retroactive pay, in a timely manner and in accordance with their collective agreements.

By May 2025, it was clear that any teacher settlement—whether negotiated or legislatively imposed—would likely include retroactive salary adjustments. In November 2025, the finalized salary grids and pay rates were provided to school divisions, giving employers the information needed to calculate and issue retroactive pay. This information provided a clear path for retroactive pay from 2024/25 and increases for the 2025/26 school year. 

Despite this, some employers advised that retroactive pay would not be issued until January 2026 or later.

A possible issue with retroactive pay for September and October for substitute teachers, due to the implementation of the partial daily rate, is under review. It is likely that, upon initial research, an arbitrator would place considerable weight on the complexity of implementing the new partial daily rate as a justifiable reason for not issuing that retroactive pay for that time period in the 2025 taxation year; however, discussions are ongoing to determine whether a broad grievance could be filed.

Why the ATA Filed Retroactive Pay Grievances
Before filing grievances, the ATA, both provincially and locally, worked at the local level to resolve the issue. When those efforts were unsuccessful, the ATA filed grievances in accordance with the grievance procedures set out in teacher collective agreements.

 The goals of these grievances are to 
• ensure retroactive salary payments are made as soon as possible, and
• make affected teachers whole, including addressing the increased tax burden that may result from delaying retroactive pay into a later taxation year.

If retroactive salary is paid in 2026 rather than 2025, teachers will likely pay more tax than they otherwise would. The grievances seek remedies that recognize and mitigate this financial impact.

Important Reminder: Deadline for Teachers Who Changed Employers
Teachers who no longer work for the same employer they did during the 2024/25 school year must contact their former employer by January 15.

This is necessary to ensure retroactive pay is properly coordinated and issued. Teachers who do not make contact may experience delays in receiving their pay.

The Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) has taken carriage of these grievances, and the ATA is working with TEBA to schedule initial meeting dates. The ATA will continue to pursue timely payment and appropriate remedies through the grievance process. Updates will be shared as matters progress.

WORTH SHARING Teachers are entitled to be paid what they are owed—and on time. The ATA has filed grievances to ensure that retroactive pay is issued promptly, so teachers are not unfairly penalized through higher taxes. Teachers who changed employers during the 2024/25 school year should contact their former employer by January 15 to avoid delays. Read the full Worth Knowing. Questions? Contact Teacher Employment and Membership Support at 1-800-232-7208. #WeAreATA