Will Seattle and South Kitsap Teachers Go on Strike Today?

At 5:00 p.m. today, the union representing Seattle school teachers is hosting a meeting at Benaroya Hall to discuss ongoing labor contract negotiations with the district. If the union can't reach an agreement with the district, they may vote to go on strike tonight—nine days before the school year is slated to begin. As Goldy reported last week, one of the sticking point for teachers seems to be the district's intention to increase their class sizes.

As one teacher and several others confirmed today, "It sounds like we might strike."

If so, it might not be the only teachers' strike in Washington State. South Kitsap teachers are also reportedly voting today whether to strike, and for the same reason: Ballooning class sizes. According to a press advisory from the South Kitsap Teachers Association, "Middle school teachers have been reporting they have 37 plus students in math classes held in portables that hold no more than 32 students." Kitsap negotiators have recommended that members do not ratify the district's current contract offer.