Minneapolis teachers and educational support professionals reached an agreement in the wee hours of the morning on Saturday, March 25th, ending a three week strike, the first by Minneapolis teachers in more than fifty years. The strike was waged to get a living income for educational support professionals; structures to recruit and retain education of color; an increase in mental health support in every school; a limit on class size written into the contract; and competitive compensation for licensed staff.
Minneapolis Teacher Federation members ratified the agreement on Sunday, March 27th. Staff returned to school on Monday and students were back in the classroom on Tuesday, March 29th, just prior to an April 4th Spring Break.
The win for educational support professionals was big, with salary increases going up by two to four dollars per hour, better job security, and more available hours. Mental Health support for students has been increased. MTF teachers’ president Greta Callahan told reporters that the new agreement includes double the number of nurses and conselors in elementary schools as well as a social worker in every building. Class size limits will now be written into the contract.
Teachers and educational support professionals stuck together and stayed on message, advocating for the safe and stable schools that all students deserve.
Reporting Courtesy of Jeannine Ramsey for Labor Radio
Image Courtesy of Chad Davis on Flickr
