Educational support professionals in Minneapolis have filed a strike notice after negotiations with the school district for a new contract failed.
The Minneapolis Federation of Teachers and Educational Support Professionals (ESP) filed a strike notice late Wednesday afternoon after a mediation session with Minneapolis Public Schools failed to reach an agreement after voting to authorize a strike last week.
The union can officially go on strike from May 14, but it is possible that an agreement can be reached before then to avoid a strike.
“Educational support professionals, like teachers, deserve a living wage, affordable health care, and recognition for their experience and training,” said Katina Taylor, ESP chapter president. “This is what we need to preserve ESP and ensure our students are safe and engaged in learning. Negotiations should not be this difficult.”
ESPs and others have been working on contracts that have been expiring for more than 10 months, calling for significant pay increases, more affordable health care, and measures to reward experience and increase retention.
Minneapolis teachers avoided a strike last week by reaching an agreement with the school district, and a vote on the proposal is scheduled for May 8-10.
