The Columbian newspaper reports that the La Center Education Association is the second school-based union to go on strike in Clark County this school year. Bargaining teams have agreed on most terms except district-defined cost-of-living adjustments that are in addition to state pay increases. The duration of a contract also needs agreement.
On Tuesday, I wrote about Evergreen Public Schools' classified staff members going on strike Aug. 26, which was supposed to be the first day of school in that district. Union members involved in the work stoppage are voting again Thursday on the district’s “best, last and final offer," the paper reports. If the offer is rejected, the union says picket lines will continue.
A third school district in the area also has a strike threat: Vancouver Public Schools' classified education support staff plan to vote on whether to strike Sept. 11.
Strikes look to be contagious in Southwest Washington right now, despite the state's prohibition on public employee strikes and the harm school strikes bring other workers, taxpayers, students and families. I hope striking workers remember them on the picket line. And I hope lawmakers consider reforms that help keep school in session for all Washington state students.
Read more about the Evergreen strike here: "Back-to-school season comes with a side of strike."
