LAKEVILLE, MN — Lakeville teachers overwhelmingly voted Friday to authorize a strike if negotiations with the district reach an impasse, according to the Lakeville Minnesota Department of Education.
The union said 99% of its members voted to give union leadership the power to call a strike if necessary, as members have been working on a contract that has been expired for more than 300 days.
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.
Organizers say the educators are calling for “significant wage increases, more affordable health care, and benefits to support families that reflect the 2023 Minnesota Legislature's significant increase in school district budgets.” They say they are petitioning.
“Lakeville teachers stand united and strong for what they need: fair pay, benefits, and job security. of teachers to other districts, and this is hurting Lakeville students,” said Carrie Popp. , Minnesota Lakeville School Board Chair.
Lakeville teachers also want to continue having a say in transfer decisions. According to the union, “language assignment rights” allow school districts to unilaterally move teachers between subject areas, buildings, and grades.
The next mediation is scheduled for May 6, but teachers are asking for an earlier date.
On Tuesday, the union is hosting a rally outside the district office before the school board meeting.
Similarly, educational support specialists in Minneapolis voted to authorize the strike Friday after working more than 300 days without a contract. This was announced the day after the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers' teachers chapter was launched. announced a tentative agreement We worked with Minneapolis Public Schools to give teachers the largest pay raise in 25 years.
WCCO has reached out to Lakeville Area Schools for comment but has not yet received a response.
