In an apparent attempt to pit workers against workers St. Paul Public Schools (SPPS) sent a layoff notice to union-represented Teaching Assistants. The notice, obtained by Workday, explicitly ties the layoffs to the St. Paul Federation of Educators (SPFE) strike.

“I am writing to inform you that as a result of the current strike of St. Paul Federation of Educators you will be placed on layoff status. The purpose of this communication is to notify you that should the strike continue, your last day of employment will be March 23rd, 2020. Pursuant to the layoff conditions set forth in the 2016-2019 agreement between Saint Paul Public Schools and Teaching Assistants, Article 14.1, this is the official notice of your layoff, which will be effective March 24th, 2020. This letter may be used for purposes of applying for unemployment compensation benefits. Unemployment compensation information is available at https://www.uimn.org or 651-296-3644.”

Teamster local 320 represents the teaching assistants and stated that “we stand in solidarity with SPFE. Our members are picketing before and after work and on their unpaid breaks.” Teamsters are also contributing $1,000 to the SPFE strike fund.