Salem-Keizer educators authorize first strike in district's history
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Union members within the Salem-Keizer Public School district have voted to authorize what would be the first strike in the district’s history.
More than 94% of Salem-Keizer Education Association (SKEA) members voted to strike as educators continue finding roadblocks in their bargaining process.
“Salem-Keizer educators do not want to strike, we want to be in schools with our students, but we will strike if we have to,” union representative Tyler Scialo-Lakeberg said.
During a recent school board meeting, members of the teacher’s union testified about the challenges they have faced during negotiations. However, Salem-Kezier Superintendent Andrea Castañeda chose to focus attention on addressing recent violence among high school students.
In her response, Castañeda announced plans to recommend the installation of metal detectors in schools after a recent incident killed one student and injured two others. She refrained from commenting on the ongoing bargaining process.
Scialo-Lakeberg provided the following statement after SKEA took their vote on Friday:
“Today, Salem-Keizer educators have made it clear that they want our bargaining team to continue to fight for a contract that makes substantial improvements for students and educators in our neighborhood public schools. We remain hopeful that we’ll reach a fair deal at the table without having to resort to a strike and were encouraged by positive moment during this past Wednesday’s mediation session, but we will continue to prepare for the possibility of a strike if we determine it is necessary to reach a fair deal.”
The union said it will provide a 10-day notice of intent to strike if they decide to do so. The district’s next mediation session is scheduled for Monday, March 25.
The Salem-Keizer Public School district also shared a statement with KOIN 6 News:
The district is aware that the Salem-Keizer Education Association has announced the affirmative result of the strike vote. We know that a strike will cause lasting impact to our schools and community. The district is focused on reaching a fair and responsible contract for our licensed staff during mediation. The parties are working together, making progress and are looking forward to being back at the table on Monday.