Education strikes end in Southwest Washington

Education workers in La Center, Evergreen Public Schools ratify new contracts as Vancouver classified staff authorize a strike

VANCOUVER, WA (September 15, 2025) — Classes have resumed in two school districts in Southwest Washington, as education staff at Evergreen Public Schools and educators in the La Center School District approved contracts on Friday.

Evergeen education workers, represented by the Public School Employees of Washington SEIU Local 1948, hit the strike line in late August, with educators in the district backing them up. It was the first strike in the union’s history. These 1,400 workers are classified staff: bus drivers, paraeducators, maintenance workers, and other essential education support roles. They approved a new contract on September 11, welcoming students back to school on Friday.

Evergreen education workers on the strike line in August. Photo: PSE of Washington

President of the Evergreen chapter of PSE of WA, Mindy Troffer-Cooper, credited the strength of Evergreen classified staff, the solidarity of education workers and the support of the community for securing a deal, telling the Washington State Standard that, “Our members stood strong in the face of legal threats and misleading tactics because they knew what was at stake: stability for students, livable wages for staff, and respect for the work that keeps schools running.”

La Center educators, represented by the La Center Education Association, began their strike on September 3, pausing classes until a fair contract could be reached. Those workers approved a new contract on Friday; classes resume in the district today. In a post on social media, the educators thanked the community for the support they’ve received and shared their excitement to be back in the classroom with students.

Meanwhile, education workers in Vancouver, represented by the Vancouver Association of Educational Support Professionals, voted Friday to authorize a strike. Despite months of negotiations, a contract deal has not been reached; the previous contract expired August 31. A potential strike date has yet to be set.