Teachers in St. Paul are set to announce their intent to strike two weeks from Monday if a new contract can't be worked out between now and then.
Negotiators with the district and St. Paul Federation of Teachers have been working with a mediator for the last several weeks to try to avert a walkout.
Both sides will meet again this Friday.
“We do not take this decision to strike lightly," said Leah VanDassor, SPFE president. “But we feel it’s a necessary one to keep our educators in Saint Paul Public Schools through strong wages and affordable insurance, and to continue to build the schools our students and their families deserve. Our bargaining team is doing everything in its power to reach a settlement before that time and will continue to do so.”
By law, the union must give a 10-day notice before hitting the picket lines. The March 11 date would be ten days from this coming Friday.
Over 90% of the rank and file voted to authorize a strike in February. Some of the main priorities for teachers include higher pay, lower insurance costs and more staffing of mental health teams.
They say they hope a new deal can be reached before the strike date.
Main priorities for teachers include higher pay, lower insurance costs and more staffing of mental health teams




