With St. Paul teacher strike looming, school board unwilling to 'swoop in and save the day'

A St. Paul Public Schools teacher strike sidelining more than 4,000 employees and some 34,800 students could be less than two weeks away.

The St. Paul Federation of Teachers said all three bargaining units voting Wednesday easily authorized their leadership to strike. That includes 85 percent of voting teachers, 90 percent of educational assistants and 82 percent of school and community service professionals.

The union said it would give notice of intent to strike Thursday, starting a 10-day cooling off period before a strike can begin. They’re considering walking off the job as early as Feb. 13.

Meanwhile, negotiators will continue meeting with state mediators Friday and Wednesday as they work toward a new two-year teacher contract.

Read more: https://www.twincities.com/2018/02/01/with-st-paul-teacher-strike-looming-school-board-unwilling-to-swoop-in-and-save-the-day/