As the pandemic wanes students in Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) are set to face another obstacle – their teachers authorized a district-wide strike beginning Tuesday, March 8.
Minneapolis teachers have announced a district-wide strike beginning Tuesday, March 8.
On Feb. 23, the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers and St. Paul Federation of Educators unions each filed their intent to strike after their members – largely full-time teachers and education support professionals – voted overwhelmingly to give them the authority. The move required 10-day notice, but marathon negotiations have failed to result in a deal so far.
On March 7 at 6 p.m. president of the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers Greta Callahan led a press conference to announce the decision to strike. Minneapolis Public Schools teachers have announced a district-wide strike beginning Tuesday, March 8. "Our members have put out a fair mandate… And they [district] have not moved significantly on any of those things. They have not budged," Callahan said. "What about the kids? We have been saying this for decades. We continue to say our students deserve and need more. When you have thousands of people saying they will go without pay so students have the support they deserve you know something is wrong with the school district.
The union is demanding better pay and working conditions for teachers and support staff, smaller class sizes, and further mental health support for students.St. Paul teachers, SPPS avoid strike with 11th hour dealjust before their 9 p.m. deadline Monday night. School is in session Tuesday in St. Paul.in the event a strike was declared.