Auckland school teachers prepared to strike

Oakland, California – The Oakland Unified School District may face another teachers’ strike in the near future, as the district and the union appear to be far apart on many issues, including money.

On the Facebook page of the Oakland Education Associationthe union drew a line in the sand over “unfair labor practices” allegedly carried out by OUSD.

“Today, the OEA Executive Board voted to give me the ability to authorize the vote on strike from Monday. I am calling on every member of the OEA to vote on the ULP strike,” said Ismael Armenarez of the Auckland Education Union.

The union says OUSD has negotiated in bad faith with constant cancellations of meetings and non-serious counter offers. “We intend to settle a contract,” said Mr. Arminarez.

At the core of the union’s complaints is the lack of a livable wage, which affects teachers’ ability to give students an education that will lead to their success. The union says additional issues include OUSD’s failure to address private education, teacher safety, as well as community schools and public interest proposals.

In great contrast, the Latest school district website The post says, “More positive movement toward a significant OUSD teacher compensation increase.” The school district has restricted all of its comments to its website, Facebook, and Instagram.

Armendariz claimed that OUSD has a history of dishonesty when it comes to interacting with the federation. He also said that the OUSD would be “fools” if they did not take the strike threat seriously and that the union had the support of over 1,500 parents who signed their petition in support of the union’s demands.

“We support Oakland teachers because we believe that teachers are at the core of our students’ education, and they stand up for students every day in the classroom,” said parent Amaya Lin.

The line is drawn in the sand, but if a strike were to occur, the final vote would take place next Monday and then the strike could begin.