Spirit ‘incredible’ on teachers’ picket lines

SEATTLE (Sept. 11, 2015) — The Seattle teachers’ strike continues this morning, but teachers won’t be on the picket lines today. Instead, they will be honoring the 9/11 anniversary by doing public service at their local food banks and other community nonprofit organizations.

Following is a statement issued today by Jeff Johnson, President of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:

Yesterday, Executive Secretary Nicole Grant of the M.L. King County Labor Council, The Entire Photography Staff of The Stand, and I walked the picket line at Seattle’s Garfield High School with Math, Physics, English, Chorus and other teachers and members of the general public.

Serenaded by the Garfield Marching Band, the spirit on the Seattle Education Association’s line was incredible as striking teachers stood up for the rights of students and faculty, and for improving our school system. While they would rather be in the classrooms, these proud, brave — and underpaid — teachers are walking the line every day of this week except for Friday, when most of them will be performing public service at local food banks and community centers.

They are committed to walking the line until the school administration is willing to agree to reasonable professional pay, an equitable discipline system, and adequate support services.

Thank you teachers for standing up for our kids and our communities.

One of her handmade signs read: “I Support My Teacher.” The other: “Dogs Support Teachers.”