UPDATE: Seattle Education Association announces strike, 7+ hours after district cancels Wednesday classes

4:40 PM: Seattle Public Schools just announced in a message to families and staff that even though talks continue, it’s called off the scheduled start of classes tomorrow:

Seattle Public Schools will not start school as planned on Wednesday, Sept. 7, because of a planned work stoppage by Seattle Education Association (SEA).

Student meals will be provided at several school sites. Free sack lunches are available for all students and will be available for pick up from approximately 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. We are also reaching out to community childcare providers to help support our families. We expect after-school athletics will continue, even if there is a delay in the start of school. We will publish details about student meals, child care, and additional resources. Please visit our Family Resource webpage for locations and details.

Seattle Public Schools respects our educators and staff. We are optimistic the bargaining teams will come to a positive solution for students, staff, and families. Negotiations with SEA are ongoing. We are looking forward to beginning school and welcoming students and staff for the 2022-23 school year.

This announcement comes four and a half hours after the Seattle Education Association announced that its members had voted to authorize a strike if no deal was reached. It has not yet announced one, though.

4:58 PM: West Seattle sites for students to pick up meals 10 am-1 pm tomorrow are listed as:

Arbor Heights Elementary School: 3701 SW 104th St.
Boren K-Stem K8: 5950 Delridge Way SW
Concord Elementary School: 723 S. Concord St.
Denny Middle School: 2601 SW Kenyon St.
Highland Park Elementary School: 1012 SW Trenton St.
Madison Middle School: 3429 45th Ave. SW
Roxhill Elementary School: 7740 34th Ave. SW
Chief Sealth International High School: 2600 SW Thistle St.

(added) A note for those picking up at Chief Sealth IHS and Denny IMS – “We will be serving lunches off the back dock on the east side of both campuses. (Families/students) can drive through or walk and we will be back there from 10 am to 1 pm.”

5:38 PM: SEA is still rallying at district HQ. Speakers have included bargaining-team members who say talks are still under way right now, and union leadership just said that though the district has canceled classes for tomorrow, it’s not too late to avert a strike.

8:34 PM: No public updates since then on whether bargaining is still under way and/or whether SEA is officially striking. It would be the first SEA strike since 2015, which in turn was the first one since 1985.

12:17 AM: The strike is on, according to this announcement just received from SEA:

Educators want to be in the classrooms with their students and needs SPS to give those students the supports and adult attention they deserve. At this hour Seattle Public Schools has failed to agree to a contract that adequately staffs Special Education and Multilingual Learners, that limits caseloads and workloads so that each student gets adequate attention, and that provides pay that allows educators to live in the city where they work. The SEA Bargaining Team is continuing to work at this hour and SEA calls on SPS to share our urgency and reach a contract agreement that brings us back to classrooms as fast as possible. The 6,000 office professionals, paraprofessionals, and certificated teaching staff united in SEA will strike beginning Wednesday morning for a contract that meets student needs.

The announcement says picketing will start at schools at 7:30 am today and continue daily until 3:30 pm “until SEA members ratify a tentative agreement.”

Picketing at Sanislo Elementary. pic.twitter.com/vc5VsAwhHb

— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) September 7, 2022

8:30 AM: Picketing has begun. We’ve been to three West Seattle schools so far and will be heading back to others. At Sanislo Elementary, we talked with SEA president Jennifer Matter, who says bargaining resumed at 3 am and continues this morning. Separate story to come.

Striking Homie September 6, 2022 (4:48 pm)

WSB, any information on when school starts?

WSB September 6, 2022 (4:59 pm)

At this point it’s likely day to day.

Ben Oleson September 6, 2022 (4:51 pm)

Dang it! Well, go teachers, and thank you for all of your year-round efforts, and your continued advocacy for our city’s children. Much appreciated.

Critical Knowledge September 6, 2022 (5:12 pm)

Most important question: will they keep the school zone lights and cameras off until school actually starts? Or do we still have to drive 20?

WSB September 6, 2022 (5:32 pm)

I meant to ask SDOT that today. Too late now though I’ll try.
Jort September 6, 2022 (6:41 pm)

You can also just drive 20, either way. It won’t hurt you and will add approximately 1.8 seconds to your drive.
Peter September 7, 2022 (11:50 am)

Always treat school zones as if the 20mph limit is in effect, 24/7/365.

wondering September 6, 2022 (5:27 pm)

SEA’s negotiating team is public facing. We know who they are. Thank you bargaining team! Who is on the the district bargaining team? Why is this information so difficult to track down? Why is it so secretive? Maybe I’m just not looking in the right place.

Smoosh September 7, 2022 (8:10 am)

Parents get regular updates from the SPS bargaining team. SEA posts snippets on their website. SEA is a private entity, hardly public facing and just likes news releases about a small part of their strategy.

Caitlin September 6, 2022 (5:46 pm)

Anyone know ways for the public to support teachers in this?

Caitlin September 6, 2022 (5:52 pm)

Answering my own question a bit: https://action.washingtonea.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=14662
Rhonda September 6, 2022 (7:25 pm)

As a parent, we support Seattle Public Schools.
- Jeffry September 7, 2022 (9:25 am)
  
  We support teachers over here. Just like I stood with concrete workers over greedy CEOs. PRO UNION Every Time!
Ben September 7, 2022 (12:26 am)

You can also just show up at the picket lines! Some of the best support is simply to be there. Make a sign and join in!
Say What September 7, 2022 (8:35 am)

Drive by schools and let teachers know you support them. Maybe bring them beverages or have kids make cards. Unreasonable work loads and the lack of support especially around kids who need extra support is why this strike is happening.

ST September 6, 2022 (6:12 pm)

This is terrible for students. Both sides (union leadership, not the rank and file teachers) and SPS share blame here. They had an entire summer to work on their differences. It’s tough to cheer on a strike or school closure when you lack adequate child care coverage and are trying to manage your own job. And many students already have learning deficits from remote/hybrid learning.

Wseattlite September 6, 2022 (6:59 pm)

Agreed ST. No one looks good at this point. If it were about the children really, the adults would sort this in a way that does lead to angst amongst the children or parents.
Rhonda September 6, 2022 (7:26 pm)

75% of the available rank and file teachers voted 95% to strike.
- ST September 6, 2022 (8:29 pm)
  
  If union leadership laid out a good case to strike (e.g,, more special ed resources needed), then teachers aren’t going to vote against a strike because that vote would be looked at as a vote against your fellow brothers and sisters. I’m surprised it was only 95%.
Kuly September 6, 2022 (8:38 pm)

I couldn’t agree more! It feels like they’re playing games with our kids. It’s been a rough couple of years.
Vee September 6, 2022 (9:36 pm)

Agree!
Ivan Weiss September 7, 2022 (7:28 am)

This “bothsidesism” is toxic to the discussion, and it ignores the basic facts of the case. The teachers are, quite rightly in my opinion, demanding increased support and services for the Special Ed kids, the single most vulnerable and in-need cohort in the entire system, and the district appears unwilling to provide it. To date, I have heard no rationale from the district why this should be the case. And I have heard no mention whatever, from those who demand that schools reopen NOW, that they have any interest at all in the needs of the Special Ed kids. I, me, mine, is all I hear from them. I support the Special Ed kids, and I support the teachers. Period.
- Resident September 7, 2022 (8:13 am)
  
  So Ivan, your side is the only side that is “right”? There is absolutely room for both sides and there is always two that share a problem. You need to come down off of that soap box and look at it from both sides. You can be on the side of the teachers and still see where the union could and should have represented them better.
  - Ivan Weiss September 7, 2022 (2:11 pm)
    
    @ resident: It’s for union members to decide how well their negotiating team is representing them, not you, nor I, nor anybody who isn’t part of that bargaining unit.
- Melissa September 7, 2022 (8:43 am)
  
  Thank you, Ivan. I agree. The bothsides-ing ignores the simple fact that implementing an inclusion model without adequate support and planning will hurt ALL students and potentially make life for teachers untenable.
- Say What September 7, 2022 (9:09 am)
  
  This is not only important for those kids who qualify for services, but most importantly for those who don’t. If special Ed and multilingual get the needed extra services, then the classroom teacher can BETTER serve all the other kids. Don’t forget that those students with IEPs get mandated minutes and supports whether it is a sped teacher, IA or classroom teacher. This strike is for ALL kids. I get the frustration for families, but school is NOT daycare.

And SPS wonders why enrollment drops September 6, 2022 (7:16 pm)

Agreed. Holding out for contract end then stopping school only harms students and families. Seattle families and children deserve better school leadership. Until they get better leadership and processes, you can’t blame people who vote with their feet. It appears the new sup is digging his own hole on this. Had hoped for better.

Healthcare worker September 6, 2022 (8:20 pm)

I work in healthcare. My job required 7 years of post secondary training. I do continuing education at my own expense on my own time. I work nights, weekends, holidays and summers. I did not receive anywhere near a 6.5% raise this year. I receive 20 days of combined sick/vacation time. I have been in my profession over 40 years and do not make the top teacher salary. I live in the Seattle City limits and managed to afford to buy a house. Can someone explain to me why teachers are considered undercompensated? Teachers are out of touch with reality. Get back to work.
- Healthcare worker September 6, 2022 (8:33 pm)
  
  Oh yeah, and to continue my pity party, I am expected to go to work when it snows! That is what you do when you care about the people you work for. Patients, that is, or kids in this case.
  - Jay September 6, 2022 (11:08 pm)
    
    Why does other people making more bother you? Don’t drag them for trying to prove things, them getting paid less doesn’t put money in your pockets. Advocate for change for yourself instead. Lead your union to ask for a raise.
    - Chuck Jacobs September 7, 2022 (6:27 am)
      
      Government employees getting paid less literally puts more money in our pockets.
  - Westie September 7, 2022 (5:27 am)
    
    Are you a nurse? If you are then you are familiar with the WA Safe Staffing bill (HB1188) that was supported by SEIU and WSNA that recommends caps on the number of patients nurses and nurse assistants care for in a shift.Teachers are asking for nothing different- caps on the number of the most vulnerable students served. The difference between a healthcare worker (a nurse) and a teacher is that most healthcare workers are paid for every hour worked. If teachers were actually paid hourly and overtime, they would make significantly more!
    - Melissa September 7, 2022 (8:46 am)
      
      Thank you, Westie. Well said.
    - Josh September 7, 2022 (8:49 am)
      
      I am a pro union nurse. The bill you mentioned was allowed to fail in committee in the senate after the hospital association out maneuvered the union. So your example shows the limitations of unions. Patient safety ratios are important. The spec Ed inclusion pathway is important. SEA, if they cared about the pathways class size limits, would recognize that contract negotiations are all about a dollar amount and be willing to take money from one of their proposals (like an 18% wage increase for its members) and use it to fund a different proposal like the inclusion pathway. The SEA bargaining team is going to be forced to pick one by mediation and we can all guess which one they want more no matter what all their think of the kids posturing says.
- miws September 6, 2022 (8:39 pm)
  
  Healthcare worker, I’d say that both teachers and healthcare workers are under-compensated. And it’s maddening… —Mike
- elarem September 6, 2022 (8:49 pm)
  
  Sounds like you could use a union.
  - Boop September 6, 2022 (9:09 pm)
    
    Good point
- Someone else’s shoes September 6, 2022 (9:01 pm)
  
  Healthcare Worker,You can become a teacher, then let’s talk!
- Joe m September 6, 2022 (9:10 pm)
  
  amen, thank you for speaking up…these comments and teachers are crazy!!!!
- Randyrandi September 6, 2022 (9:39 pm)
  
  Yikes. Sure there are better jobs than that with 40 years of experience and 7 years of “post secondary training” (does that mean college?), and that make more than a teacher who gets a summer vacay. Maybe I’m smoking the sherm. Who knows!
  - Healthcare worker September 7, 2022 (7:39 am)
    
    That means university.
    - Math Teacher September 7, 2022 (10:48 am)
      
      Commentators who are saying the teachers’ contract is only about pay might be surprised to learn that the last Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), expired on August 31, is 248 pages long. Quite a bit of it has to do with work assignments and workloads.
      
      Anyone can read the last contract (CBA) here
      
      https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/hr/cbas-salary-schedules-work-year-calendars/
- 22blades September 7, 2022 (9:14 am)
  
  Let me explain. You need better collective bargaining (union) representation. If you do belong to a union, that’s on you to be represented to meet your needs. If you don’t belong to a union, it’s on you to not join forces with your fellow workers. I belong to a union. I work holidays, weekends, rain, sleet, snow, thunderstorms, drunks, medical emergencies, all day, all night, average 44 time zones a month. Cry me a river. Get a union or make the union work for you. These teachers certainly are…
- Lagartija Nick September 7, 2022 (10:17 am)
  
  Healthcare worker, wanting other people to suffer because you suffered is not the moral high ground you think it is.

Frustrated Parent September 6, 2022 (7:55 pm)

If teachers care so much about our kids, they wouldn’t punish them this way. Negotiate in Summer, not when kids need you the most.

WSB September 6, 2022 (8:25 pm)

According to the district website, bargaining began June 6th.
https://www.seattleschools.org/news/bargaining-update/
Ferns September 6, 2022 (10:03 pm)

Couldn’t that statement be flipped just as easily to say that if school officials cared so much about children they would have settled this in summer? Why is the emotional manipulation directed at often lower paid teachers? Not only must they teach and educate but they must sacrifice themselves?
- yes September 7, 2022 (6:31 am)
  
  Yes- administrators and people bargaining for the district make well over 100,000 or more depending on their position with the district. People always make the teachers out to be the bad ones when they are the ones working directly with the kids, Building relationships and actually caring about the students they work with.
Neighbor September 7, 2022 (6:19 am)

Bargaining happens all summer long and the teachers on the bargaining team DO give up their summers for a measly stipend in order to participate.

WSmom September 6, 2022 (8:10 pm)

Okay- if it is illegal for Washington state teachers or public employees to strike why are we being held hostage with our kids asking us why they can’t be in school? I’m scratching my head while doing the full time job and homeschooling- again. Currently looking at alternatives.

ST September 6, 2022 (8:32 pm)

Yes, it is illegal. But, a lawsuit would have to be brought in King County and I find it highly doubtful that any superior court judge would order the teachers back to work. I am encouraged that SEA and SPS continue to talk. Hopefully, this resolves quickly for all involved.
- Mel September 7, 2022 (8:40 am)
  
  I bet if SPD decided to strike (they were out of a contract for 3-4 years last time) a lawsuit would be brought against them. The teachers seems to get a pass.

public school supporter September 6, 2022 (8:33 pm)

Being disappointed that the two sides could not be more professional and reach an agreement before the start of school does not mean we don’t support teachers. We do support the public schools AND the teachers every time we vote overwhelmingly YES for the school levies, every time we donate to the PTA or other fundraiser, and because we send our children to public schools instead of private schools. If you must pick sides, then SEA is paid by the teachers and they will do what the teachers want them to do (the rank and file). If you are upset by SPS well then you can always attend the school board meetings and you always have your votes (school board, levies, state representatives, etc.).

Fail on all counts September 6, 2022 (9:06 pm)

As I said on the earlier thread:To hell with both SEA and SPS. They had all summer. Super lame to not figure this out BEFORE the start of school. You ALL get a FAIL for not completing your work on time. Curse you all.

Tom September 6, 2022 (9:16 pm)

To be clear, while the teachers voted to allow their union to strike, they have not declared a strike. Not starting school was the district’s decision. It’s a lockout.

N September 6, 2022 (10:44 pm)

One way of looking at things. From a parents perspective giving notice at 5pm on the eve of day 1 is already cutting it really short. Waiting til the morning of is asking for a PR nightmare among other things.

WS resident September 6, 2022 (10:12 pm)

I have always supported the teachers, however, I’m having a harder time supporting the union right now following what they did during the pandemic of not wanting to get back in the classroom for far too long. It’s just too fresh in the mind and our kids suffered a lot because of it. Hoping they find a solution soon.

Anonymous Parent September 7, 2022 (12:00 am)

I am a parent and still upset at the teachers for completely ditching my kids and their jobs during the pandemic. Essential workers? Or Entitled workers?
- Ferns September 7, 2022 (12:20 am)
  
  Essential Parents, or Entitled Parents?
  - jane September 7, 2022 (7:57 am)
    
    Parents are essential and parents are entitled to speak up for the welfare and stability of their children. Both the school district & the teachers had all summer long to come to an agreement. They failed both the students and the parents.
  - Familia September 7, 2022 (8:05 am)
    
    Stop with the word games. Families are stuck in the middle of this mess.

cshecks September 6, 2022 (10:23 pm)

All good here! An extra day of summer for my kiddo! We will be going to the Mariners game tomorrow! Go M’s! He couldn’t be more excited ; ) But, I will have to work at some point so I hope they go back soon!

Mel September 7, 2022 (8:42 am)

What a privilege that you don’t have to find last minute childcare like some of us.

Canton September 6, 2022 (11:46 pm)

So if the strike is illegal by state law. Do the teachers get paid to picket? Will Ferguson hear a potential lawsuit?

Ben September 7, 2022 (12:34 am)

Regardless of the length of the strike, students will still get the full 180 days of their school year.
Neighbor September 7, 2022 (6:22 am)

No, teachers do not get paid during the strike. They will eventually recoup the pay when the school year is extended to make up the missed days.
teacher September 7, 2022 (6:36 am)

teachers do not to get paid while they are on strike. They get paid for the days they work: 180 days of school and 5 days of prep/professional development before school and an inservice day in October. And in SPS district they also get paid for 8hours of tech professional development. There will still be 180 of school when the students strike is over.

Belvidear September 7, 2022 (7:04 am)

Wondering how many SPS parents commenting here have kids in SPED and/or would greatly benefit from multilingual classrooms.

zark00 September 7, 2022 (11:51 am)

Statistically around 10%-16% depending on the school. ELL and SPED students make up about 13% in total of the SPS student population. But some schools have a much higher, and some much lower, percentage of ELL students for example.

David September 7, 2022 (8:09 am)

How much do teachers get paid? How many holidays and breaks? How much vacation? Are teachers on call 24/7/365? Why don’t contracts end on the last day of the school year so that both sides can act like adults and get agreements before it comes to a strike?

MM September 7, 2022 (8:22 am)

I wonder what other school districts do for special Ed, multilingual classes and teacher pay compared to Seattle schools? Is Seattle alot worse in comparison or a little better?We pay a huge amount on property taxes in Seattle and a big chunk goes to schools, where does all that money get spent on?

Belvidear September 7, 2022 (9:38 am)

I think you would have to consider the cost of living for teachers in those other districts when making any comparisons. It’s a good question though.

Curious mind September 7, 2022 (8:35 am)

Can someone please explain to me the details of this strike helping the SPED program specifically? Our school has one Para per SPED child. My non-SPED child is in a classroom with 26 kids to 1 teacher. Why is the SPED program even involved in these negotiations? They seem to have a ton of support yet it’s the SPED parents that are always complaining. I am confused.

Math Teacher September 7, 2022 (9:39 am)

well… in your specific example of that classroom with 26 students, SPS and SEA agree to move towards an inclusion model in which more multi-language learners and special education students will be added to that teacher’s classroom.

Among other concerns, SEA wants contract language around around the Para ratio, translation services, collaboration time with Special Ed teachers, and so forth, so that the teacher can continue to meet the needs of all students in the upcoming more diverse, larger, inclusionary classroom.

SPS is basically saying “trust us” to determine what supports will be needed, and are even implying that a couple extra hours of training will equip teachers working without Paras to simultaneously meet the needs of all students.
Ben September 7, 2022 (11:08 am)

What school are you in??? One paraeducator for each student with an IEP or 504!!!! That is just incredible! Not the case for every other SPS school. The SPS special education program is understaffed like many other programs and businesses. However, unlike an extended wait in an understaffed restaurant, understaffing in a program that serves the most vulnerable children in society means that they lose their opportunity to learn. Teachers are acutely aware of this and are fighting to have those students right to an education upheld. As for your gen-ed student in a 26:1 class – were it not for the union negotiators, class sizes would be closer to 35 or 40 students per class.
- isitfair? September 7, 2022 (11:59 am)
  
  The 35-40 kids per class is not accurate. SPS has never even proposed class ratios like that. SPS isn’t good, but they never did that. Class sizes are a problem already, and the inclusion model doesn’t benefit all students. That’s also a fact. I wish it did, it would be nice. Unfortunately advanced learners are the students who take the brunt of the reduction in instruction time, but they don’t get a voice, it’s not PC to stand up for advanced learners. They don’t deserve it, they are fine just with independent learning. The 2 hours a day all last year that my kids sat, with no teacher or instructor in sight, alone in the cafeteria because ‘We don’t have resources for advanced learning anymore’ is a testament to that. It is what it is. It’s a zero sum game. Someone has to lose to for others to win in SPS. In this case advanced learning lose again, Spectrum, HCC, Honors, AP, all gone or reduced to ‘independent learning’ aka shut up and read this book, I’ll just give you an A. That’s advanced learning at SPS schools today. But we can’t talk about that, it’s not fair to talk about anything except how this will “benefit all students”. It won’t, but shhhh, not allowed to talk about that.

B Nguyen September 7, 2022 (9:59 am)

Where is Doctor Jones ?

Michelle W September 7, 2022 (1:12 pm)

Remember during the pandemic when parents of IEP / SPED students were begging for ANY type of support? Remember when the district was like, “just wait until we get back and we’ll take care of you”? Remember how we all had to acknowledge the ugly truth that children requiring SPED were literally set aside and most went without any service whatsoever? (There were news articles aplenty about this!) That was two years ago. No matter how under-served most children were during the pandemic, IEP / SPED students were left absolutely in the lurch. I don’t have a child in that program, but you don’t have to have an IEP / SPED kid to recognize how neglected they were by the district. I am completely flabbergasted that SPS and SEA could not resolve this over the summer – frankly it is asinine. But I also understand why the strike is occurring. I hope they resolve this soon because so many families are struggling to cobble together ad hoc childcare and it is not only annoying but expensive.