For nearly 30,000 students in Minneapolis public schools, the school was canceled as the last delay in a year that is starting to look normal. In Minneapolis in January, students had to go to remote school. Due to staff shortages during the rise in Coronavirus cases for two weeks.
On Tuesday, the teachers planned a strike and a demonstration. Greta Callahan, head of the Teachers Department of the Federation of Teachers and Support Professionals of Minneapolis, said unresolved issues include providing adequate mental health services, reducing the number of classes, and increasing salaries.
“For nearly two years we have been trying to reach agreements on safe and stable schools for students and those closest to them, but the administration has stubbornly defended the unacceptable status quo,” he said.
Randy Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Labor, who flew to Minneapolis on Monday, said one of the main problems was the compensation for the highest-paid education support staff such as assistants, translators and special needs specialists. The union requires a starting salary of at least $ 35,000 per year for most teachers.
“The wage stimulus problem affects lower paid workers who are unable to earn a living,” he said. “People are close to quitting because they can’t stay.” The Minneapolis chapter says 75% of its members earn less than $ 29,000 annually.
Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association, was also scheduled to be in town on Tuesday. A local union is joined to both national unions.
Inspector Ed Graf said the district was unable to meet the union’s demands. The area has dollar federal aid, but is reluctant to use those funds for long-term costs such as salary increases.
The school system provided logistical information to families affected by the strike that access to food and childcare was very limited and promised to continue negotiations.
“While this news is heartbreaking to hear, we recognize that our organizations’ shared priorities are based on our deep commitment to educating Minneapolis students,” the district said in a statement. She said. “MPS will remain uninterrupted at the mediation table to reduce the duration and impact of this strike.”
Source: Washington Post
John Cameron is a journalist at The Nation View specializing in world news and current events, particularly in international politics and diplomacy. With expertise in international relations, he covers a range of topics including conflicts, politics and economic trends.
