LOCAL
Port Angeles Paraeducators ratify contract, end strike
PORT ANGELES, Wash. (April 15, 2024) — After bargaining all day Sunday, the Port Angeles Paraeducators Association (PAPEA) and Port Angeles School District reached a tentative agreement on a new contract shortly before 5 p.m.
Later Sunday night, PAPEA members gathered at Port Angeles High School and 96 percent voted to ratify the new collective bargaining agreement, ending the one-week strike.
All Port Angeles public schools will be open on Monday, April 15.
“We’re thrilled to be heading back to school,” said PAPEA President Rebecca Winters. “We’ve missed our students so much and we’re so thankful for the support of our community, especially our PAEA colleagues.”
Port Angeles Paraeducators have been on strike – and certified teachers in Port Angeles Education Association, or PAEA, have been honoring their picket lines — since April 8, the scheduled first day back from spring break.
Port Angeles Paraeducators Association (PAPEA) is made up of 130 paraeducators in the Port Angeles Public Schools. It is affiliated with the statewide Washington Education Association and the National Education Association, both of which represent K-12 teachers, support staff and higher-education employees.
CHECK OUT THE UNION DIFFERENCE in Washington: higher wages, affordable health and dental care, job and retirement security.
FIND OUT HOW TO JOIN TOGETHER with your co-workers to negotiate for better wages, benefits, and a voice at work. Or go ahead and contact a union organizer today!
