MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis Public Schools education support professionals have voted to authorize a strike after working for more than 300 days without a contract.
According to the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers, 92% of votes cast Thursday and Friday supported authorizing the strike. The vote does not require the union to strike, but it does allow the board to call a strike and give schools 10 days' notice.
Contractual considerations include wages, weekly hours, health insurance, etc. The ESPs also say they are calling for a system similar to teacher contracts that rewards experience and promotes retention.
“Most of the education support professionals in Minneapolis Public Schools are not paid enough to live in Minneapolis without rehiring,” said Katina Taylor, president of the ESP chapter. “This is not enough. One job is enough.”
This announcement comes the day after the MFT teacher chapter. announced a tentative agreement and Minneapolis Public Schools. The deal gives teachers the largest pay increase in 25 years.
Still, MPS faces a budget $110 million deficitSuperintendent Dr. Lisa Sayles Adams said the contract agreement will lead to growth. Possible layoffs.
The next mediation session between ESP and the school district is scheduled for May 1.
WCCO has reached out to the district for comment.
