La Center Schools Cancel Classes as Union Officials Push Teachers Into Strike
Students in La Center, Washington, were left without classes after union officials with the La Center Education Association (LCEA), an affiliate of the Washington Education Association (WEA) and the National Education Association (NEA), ordered teachers to strike over a contract dispute.
The strike has forced the district to shut down schools entirely, creating disruption for families and students just as the academic year was set to begin. District officials said they have been bargaining with union representatives in good faith, with the assistance of professional mediators, and remain committed to finding a solution.
“The La Center School District continues to work at the bargaining table with the support of professional mediators to reach an agreement,” shared a spokesperson.
At the heart of the dispute are union demands for additional salary increases, which district officials say are unsustainable given current budget realities. According to an FAQ released by the district:
“At present we do not see a sustainable way to both grant full IPD and strengthen reserves simultaneously. Additionally, the district already subsidizes teacher salaries in the amount of $943,406 above the state allocation for salaries, annually. This large amount of money comes from what would otherwise be spent on programs, maintenance, etc.”
Despite these financial realities, union bosses ordered teachers to walk off the job, sacrificing instructional time and putting added strain on families.
Source: KATU
It is important for educators to know that union members can face fines or other penalties from the union if they do not participate in a strike. However, under the U.S. Supreme Court’s Janus v. AFSCME decision, public school teachers have the right to resign union membership and stop paying dues at any time. Doing so frees teachers from being compelled into strikes or political activities they do not support.
Teachers who wish to continue serving their students during this disruption have that right protected by law. Union officials may push for confrontation, but individual educators can choose to keep the focus where it belongs: on students and their education.
For more information on your rights as an employee regarding unions, visit Know Your Rights.
