Seattle teachers unanimously voted to strike if the teachers' union and the school district fail to reach an agreement. The vote, decided yesterday, would affect the start of school next Wednesday.
The vote was carried out by voice, with more than 2,000 attendees shouting "aye" when asked if a vote should take place.
A few issues are at hand: teachers' salaries and recess are two major factors. The Seattle Education Association proposed an 18% increase in teachers' salaries over the next three years (in addition to a state-authorized 3% increase for cost of living and a temporary 1.8% increase to expire in 2017). The district, meanwhile, proposed an 8.2% increase, not including the state-authorized 3% increase.
The Seattle Education Association is scheduled to meet with the district today for further negotiation.
