Teachers in Raymond OK strike if deal not reached by Dec. 2

UPDATE (Dec. 2, 2019) — The Willapa Valley Education Association thanks all who attended the Nov. 25 school board meeting to urge a fair contract for educators in that district. Unfortunately, school administrators still have refused to budge after another day of bargaining on Nov. 26. So that evening the union took a strike authorization vote — which passed unanimously.

The WVEA has given the school district until 4 p.m. today (Monday, Dec. 2) to reach a tentative agreement. If an agreement is not reached, the educators plan to strike on Tuesday. Stay tuned.

RAYMOND — For the second straight year, Willapa Valley public school teachers are struggling to reach a contract that compensates teachers fairly despite the fact that the school district is operating with a significant fund balance. The district ended the last school year with $2.2 million in the bank, which represents 35.9% of year‐to‐date spending and is more than double the $964,420 anticipated in the budget.

TAKE A STAND — Union members and community supporters are urged to support these teachers by attending the district school board meeting Monday night, Nov. 25 at 22 Viking Way in Raymond. Teachers represented by the Willapa Valley Education Association and their supporters will gather outside at 6 p.m. and attend the meeting at 7 p.m. to deliver the message: like all working people, Willapa Valley educators have a right to dignity and respect on the job, and they deserve a fair contract NOW!

Last year, contentious talks between Willapa Valley district administrators and teachers extended into the school year as, in a display of good faith, educators returned to classes without a contract. Ultimately, teachers were on the brink of a strike before there was any movement and a deal was reached.

Now it is happening again and it’s time to show school administrators that the community support their teachers’ fight for dignity and respect on the job.