LOCAL

6,000 Seattle educators strike for fair contract

Here’s how you can support teachers, students and quality schools

 

SEATTLE (Sept. 8, 2022) — On Wednesday morning, the 6,000 educators represented by the Seattle Education Association went on strike for the first time since 2015. They are demanding a contract that commits to reasonable workloads and class sizes, supports for special education and multilingual learners, and pay that lets Seattle educators — particularly the classified staff — live in the city where they work.

TAKE A STAND — Union and community members can show their support for Seattle educators by joining a picket line at public schools throughout the city, joining SEA’s community email list for updates on the strike status, and by sending this message to the Seattle School Board:

“Student needs are more acute than ever and educators know what it takes to support them. That’s why it’s critical that SPS honor SEA educators’ expertise now– before time runs out– and agree to a contract that provides students with the fully funded resources and supports they need to thrive.

“SPS needs more Multilingual and Special Education supports, workload and caseload relief, and higher wages particularly for the lowest paid staff.

“Please direct the SPS Bargaining Team to take seriously the words of SEA educators and find agreement with SEA now. Our students can’t wait!”

SEA’s Bargaining Team has been driven by a full year of member input through blueprinting, listening sessions, and surveys, plus the voices of our community through listening sessions and surveys. Their proposals:

  • Create the framework for successful inclusion of students in Special Education and Multilingual Education by ensuring adequate supports,
  • Seek long-needed, sustainable solutions to growing workloads, class sizes, and caseloads, and
  • Focus on living wages for all classified and certificated SPS educators.

For more information, read this side-by-side comparison of the positions of the SEA and the Seattle School Board. Follow developments from SEA via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and use #SEAstrong.

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