Nearly one week after teachers with the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers reached a tentative agreement with Minneapolis Public Schools, education support professionals filed their intent to go on strike as the union says they have been working without a contract for more than 300 days.
The filing came Wednesday, with the union submitting the required 10-day notice meaning ESPs cannot strike sooner than May 14.
Last Friday, MFT president Greta Callahan said she was optimistic a deal could get done.
"We know we can't make schools happen without education support professionals," Callahan said. "We have a ton of hope and faith that the deal can get done just as we were able to work together and make that happen this week."
According to the union, the tentative agreement reached with teachers provides them their biggest raise in 25 years.
ESPs say wages, health insurance, and working hours per week are among the top sticking points in the contract. This as Minneapolis Public Schools face a $110 million deficit and say that it will continue to grow as more contracts are settled.
"I think that everyone understands that a potential strike would be very complicated and hard for our children, families, and city. So that's nothing that anybody wants," said MPS superintendent, Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams.
Teachers are expected to vote on their new contract sometime in May.