Seattle teachers vote to authorize strike, putting school start in doubt
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Seattle teachers take a break at the picket line during the last strike in 2022. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios
Seattle's teachers union has voted to authorize a strike, which could delay next Wednesday's scheduled first day of school.
The big picture: The vote doesn't guarantee a strike will happen, but gives union leaders permission to call one if a new contract deal isn't reached soon with Seattle Public Schools.
The latest: 91% of Seattle Education Association members voted to authorize a strike during a meeting Wednesday evening, the union said in a news release.
- The union's current contract with the district expires Monday.
What they're saying: "We don't want to strike," Seattle Education Association President Ibijoke Idowu said in a written statement after Wednesday's vote.
- "But unless the district starts prioritizing student learning and supports, the district is giving us no choice."
- Seattle Public Schools did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Axios on Wednesday evening.
Catch up quick: Earlier this week, superintendent Ben Shuldiner said in a written statement that the district was working toward "an agreement that centers our students, supports our educators, and keeps our school district fiscally viable."
- The union is pushing for increased salaries, smaller class sizes and stronger special education supports, among other issues.
By the numbers: Union officials have declined to share the latest salary proposals exchanged at the bargaining table. But in June, they proposed a 1.5% pay increase for Seattle teachers for the coming school year.
- That bump would come on top of a 2.6% annual cost-of-living raise already funded by the state.
- The union's June proposal also called for an additional 2% raise for teachers in the 2027-28 school year, and another 2.5% the year after that.
- The union is seeking even higher percentage raises for office staff and paraeducators, who typically make less than certified teachers.
Flashback: The last time Seattle teachers went on strike in 2022, the school year started five days late.
- The district ultimately agreed to a contract that gave teachers a 7% raise in the 2022-23 school year.
What's next: Union negotiators and the district return to the bargaining table Thursday.