Minneapolis educators could strike if contract deal isn’t reached

Educators in Minneapolis could walk off the job if a contract deal isn’t reached. Contract talks are expected to continue Tuesday, and if they can’t reach a deal, members will start voting whether or not to strike on Thursday, Oct. 23-27.  The union must provide ten days notice before a strike begins.

The Minneapolis Federation of Educators is negotiating a new contract with MPS and part of what they are asking for is smaller classroom sizes and higher wages.  The union is asking for classroom caps that are enforceable — for instance, right now kindergarten classes are supposed to be capped at 22 and the union is asking for 20.

MFE is also asking for pay increases to stay competitive with comparable districts.  When negotiations began last spring it was proposing a 7% increase for teachers the first year, 6% in the second, as well as a 12% increase for education support professionals in the first year and a 10% in the second.

“It’s not lost on me that I could go across the river and make $8,000 more,” said Marcia Howard, president of MFE’s Teacher Chapter. “We used to be the highest paid district and I can’t say that anymore.  We are losing eachers to other districts.”

A spokesperson for MPS issued this statement: 

“While the district’s budget is tighter than ever due to the historic underfunding of public education and expenses outpacing our revenue, we hope to reach an agreement that is fair, student-centered and ensures the district can thrive even if there are state and federal funding cuts.”

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