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Teachers Strike

 Hello everyone! As high school students, your teachers have probably mentioned the education worker's strike at least once in the classroom. So, today, we're going to talk about it! 

The education worker's strike started on February 22nd, 2018. LAUSD-The Los Angeles Unified School District is the second largest education district in the whole country and the teachers are on strike, garnering mass attention from the media. So, why are teachers leaving their jobs and protesting? 

LAUSD teachers were influenced by the West Virginia teachers who protested for better pay, better school resources and facilities, and four day weeks. There simply wasn't enough federal resources that were going into public education. Teachers believed that now was the time for them to stand up against the flawed education system and create change. 

Did the strike happen over night? Simply put, no. The strike happened after numerous negotiations and concessions failed. When it seemed that compromise was impossible and that their demands would ultimately not be met, the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) approved of the strike. The strike lasted six days and while schools were open, reports have shown that overall attendance during this time decreased. After six days of protesting, UTLA and LAUSD were able to reach a settlement. 

Teachers were given a six percent pay raise and reduction in class sizes. There was a promise for the addition of a nurse in every school and the development of a library and an appropriate librarian for every school. The bargain also approved of more community schools around the school district. Overall, the strike was a hard journey, but the reward was well worth it. 

So, at the end of the day, protests and strikes DO matter. Our voices matter and when we rise above to be heard, there will be change. I encourage you all to sign petitions, attend protests, and let your thoughts be heard. And in the meantime, kudos to teachers! The world has become a better place because of your courage. 

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