Saint Paul teachers strike

SPFE Strike

After nine months of negotiations, including a bargaining session last more than 45 hours over the last four days, St. Paul teachers with Saint Paul Federation of Educators will strike on Tuesday.

Tuesday's strike comes as talks fell through Monday evening with Saint Paul Public Schools. Nick Faber is the SPFE president and has been an elementary science specialist in the district for 35 years.

“We wanted to settle this contract and be in school with our students Tuesday morning,” said SPFE President Nick Faber. “Unfortunately, after more than nine months and marathon bargaining over the weekend, district leaders weren’t willing to move on the issues educators and parents know will help students thrive and break down racial barriers in our schools.” 

All Saint Paul Public Schools and activities are canceled TODAY, March 10, due to a Saint Paul Federation of Educators union strike.For more information, visit https://t.co/gd3vpNmFSw. pic.twitter.com/rCLHZfondE

— Saint Paul Public Schools (@SPPS_News) March 10, 2020

The Saint Paul Federation of Educators top priorities include more mental health supports in every building, more multilingual staff to help students and families feel welcome in school, additional educators working with students with special needs, and expanding restorative practices across the district.

"We know our students are the most beautiful can capable students there are and we want to be with them every single day," Faber said. "We want to make sure they have the supports they need to show that brilliance."

Talks between both sides continued into Monday night after the district offered a deal requesting interest arbitration.

“This is a way to avoid a strike and keep our students in school,” said District Superintendent Dr. Joe Gothard. “I don’t believe a strike is good for anyone, especially our students. I also don’t believe a strike is inevitable, and interest arbitration is a way to ensure kids are in school while the negotiation process continues.”

Faber and SPFE members were not interested in arbitration.

"A big part of these negotiations has been about the fact that folks who aren't in the classroom on a regular basis are telling us what our students need," Faber said. "To go into arbitration, where someone is even further removed from the classroom, where we're going to have to school them on all of the issues happening in schools every day, doesn't seem to make sense to us."