Moses Lake Teacher Strike Shuts Down Schools, Raises Legal and Safety Concerns for Educators and Families
Teachers represented by the Moses Lake Education Association (MLEA), a local affiliate of the Washington Education Association (WEA) and the National Education Association (NEA), began a strike as contract negotiations with Moses Lake School District (MLSD) continued, forcing the closure of all district schools and creating widespread disruption for students and families.
District officials announced that all MLSD schools would remain closed for the duration of the strike, citing safety concerns due to the absence of MLEA staff.
As the strike continues, families are also feeling the immediate effects. To help offset disruptions, the district announced it will provide free breakfast and lunch for all students, available daily from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at all elementary schools. Groff Elementary students may pick up meals at either Larson Heights or Lakeview, while middle and high school students are directed to the nearest elementary school location.
Under Washington law, the legality of the strike itself is a serious issue. While teachers have the right to engage in collective bargaining under RCW 41.59.020, strikes by public employees are explicitly not protected. State law is clear on the matter:
“Nothing contained in this chapter shall permit or grant any public employee the right to strike or refuse to perform his or her official duties,” reads RCW 41.56.041.
The Washington State Office of the Attorney General has confirmed that multiple statutes prohibit public employees from striking. Although Washington law does not mandate automatic penalties, disciplinary actions and/or legal action may be taken against public employees who participate in a strike, depending on district response and individual circumstances.
Amid the uncertainty, it is critical for teachers to understand their individual rights. Union members may face internal union pressure or potential fines for refusing to participate in a strike, depending on union rules. However, educators should also be aware that they are not legally required to strike, especially when strikes are not protected under state law.
Importantly, because Moses Lake teachers are public employees, they are covered by Janus rights. This means teachers may resign their union membership and stop paying union dues at any time, which can help protect them from union-imposed discipline related to strike activity.
While negotiations continue, the situation highlights how decisions made by union bosses can carry real consequences for students, families, and individual educators. Understanding the law—and one’s rights within it—is essential, particularly during strikes that raise legal and safety concerns.
For more information on your rights as an employee regarding unions, visit Know Your Rights.
Source: Columbia Basin Herald
