Teachers in Minneapolis announced that they would strike amid disagreements over new contracts, while St. Paul, Minnesota, has mediated a series of contractual agreements for its school system.
The Minneapolis Federation of Teachers announced that they would go on strike starting Tuesday after contract negotiations with Minneapolis Public Schools did not finalize by Monday evening.
“For almost two years, we’ve been trying to reach agreements around safe and stable schools for students and those closest to them, but the administration has stubbornly defended an unacceptable status quo,” said MFT President Greta Callahan in a statement.
VIRAL SCHOOL SPEECHES CATAPULT SUBURBAN FATHERS TO POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS
MFT ended negotiations Monday night, announcing that they would strike the following morning. The union and the school district negotiated over various matters, including salaries, hiring, and resources for students’ health.
All Minneapolis school district classrooms will be closed starting Tuesday. “While it is disappointing to hear this news, we know our organizations’ mutual priorities are based on our deep commitment to the education of Minneapolis students,” the district said in a statement.
Minneapolis’ neighbor, St. Paul, successfully negotiated a deal with its teachers union.
“This agreement could have been reached much earlier. It shouldn’t have taken a strike vote, but we got there,” said St. Paul Federation of Educators President Leah VanDassor said in a statement. “Educators and parents knew the last thing our students needed were larger class sizes, fewer supports, and more educators leaving the profession. We were able to settle a contract that invests in our students and recognizes the hard work of St. Paul educators, especially our educational assistants.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The established agreements in St. Paul need to be approved by the entirety of the SPFE and by the Board of Education. But this required approval is not expected to disrupt class schedules, and St. Paul schools will be open for class Tuesday.
